Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack Recipe
Introduction
This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines tender, honey-lime marinated chicken with creamy avocado and zesty rice. It’s a vibrant, layered meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cubed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- 1–2 ripe avocados, mashed
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add cubed chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate 15–30 minutes in the fridge.
- Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Stir and cook for 6–8 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest.
- Step 3: Fluff the warm cooked rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, a pinch of salt, and chopped cilantro if using. Keep warm.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mash the avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Don’t overmix—you want it creamy with some texture.
- Step 5: Using a ring mold or ramekin on your plate, layer the rice first, then avocado, and finally the chicken. Press gently, then lift the mold. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the chicken marinade.
- Swap cilantro for chopped parsley if you prefer a milder herb flavor.
- Use jasmine or basmati rice for a more aromatic base.
- If you don’t have a ring mold, shape the stack using an empty, clean can with both ends removed.
Storage
Store any leftovers separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken and rice gently in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh avocado when serving to maintain its creamy texture and prevent browning.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free as long as you use plain rice and check that your honey and other ingredients don’t contain additives with gluten.
What can I use instead of avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado, try mashed cooked sweet potatoes or a creamy hummus as a tasty, creamy layer alternative.
PrintHoney Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack Recipe
This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining juicy marinated chicken, zesty lime-infused rice, and creamy mashed avocado. Perfectly layered for an elegant presentation, it’s a quick and easy meal packed with bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25–40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 tbsp honey
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken, cubed
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Avocado Layer
- 1–2 ripe avocados, mashed
- Juice of ½ lime
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust. Stir and continue cooking for an additional 6–8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest briefly to retain juices.
- Prepare the Rice: Fluff the warm cooked rice with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in lime juice, a pinch of salt, and the chopped cilantro if using. Keep the rice warm until ready to assemble.
- Make the Avocado Layer: In a bowl, mash the ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy but still slightly chunky to maintain texture.
- Assemble the Stack: Place a ring mold or ramekin on each serving plate. Layer the lime-infused rice first, then add a layer of the mashed avocado, and top with the cooked honey lime chicken. Press gently to compact each layer, then carefully lift off the mold. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken up to 2 hours.
- Use brown rice for a nuttier taste and additional fiber.
- Adjust salt and lime juice according to taste preferences.
- If ring molds are not available, simply layer the ingredients in a small bowl and invert onto plates.
- Garnish with additional cilantro or lime wedges if desired.
Keywords: Honey Lime Chicken, Avocado Rice Stack, Lime Rice, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Quick Meal, Layered Chicken Dish
