Here’s a full detailed recipe for a fresh, zesty, and satisfying Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack — a layered dish with juicy marinated chicken, creamy avocado, and flavorful rice. It’s light yet filling and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
🍯🍋 Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack
- 🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time)
- 🔥 Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 2–3 stacks
🧂 Ingredients
🔸 For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🔸 For the Avocado Mixture:
- 1–2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped cilantro or red onion
🔸 For the Cilantro-Lime Rice:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice (jasmine or basmati works well)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ tsp olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
🔸 For Stacking/Garnishing:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, diced (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for heat)
🍳 Instructions
🔹 1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl or zip-lock bag, mix:
- Olive oil, honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt & pepper.
- Add chicken and coat well.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
🔹 2. Cook the Rice
- Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions.
- Once cooked, fluff and stir in:
- Lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil/butter, and a pinch of salt.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
🔹 3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
- Add marinated chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips or dice.
🔹 4. Make the Avocado Layer
- Dice avocado and gently mix with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Optionally, stir in chopped red onion or cilantro for extra flavor.
🔹 5. Assemble the Rice Stack
🥄 Stacking Tip:
Use a round food mold (or a cleaned tuna can with both ends removed) to get that perfect restaurant-style stack.
Layering Order (bottom to top):
- Cilantro-Lime Rice – press down gently
- Diced Honey Lime Chicken – press slightly
- Avocado mixture
- Diced cherry tomatoes or toppings of your choice
➡️ Carefully lift the mold and garnish the stack with:
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Cilantro, lime wedges, or jalapeño slices
🥄 Alternate Serving Ideas:
- Bowl version: Skip the stack and layer everything in a bowl for a quicker meal.
- Tacos: Use the chicken and avocado rice in tortillas.
- Meal prep: Store each component separately and assemble when ready to eat.
🌟 Flavor & Nutrition Tips
- Add black beans or corn to the rice for extra texture.
- Use quinoa instead of rice for a protein boost.
- Adjust the honey/lime ratio for a sweeter or tangier flavor profile.
Would you like a vegan version, printable card, or meal prep containers plan?