Introduction

Discover a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy chicken with this Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack. Combining sweet honey, tangy lime, creamy avocado, and savory chicken over cilantro-lime rice, it’s a vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Simple to prepare and beautifully presented, it brings bright flavors to your table.

A neat stack featuring three distinct layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a cylinder of white rice with a soft, fluffy look. The middle layer consists of bright green avocado chunks mixed evenly with pieces of caramel-browned grilled chicken that show a slightly charred texture. The top layer is a mix of sliced avocado and grilled chicken pieces, sprinkled with chopped green herbs and white sesame seeds, all glazed with a shiny, dark sauce that drips down the sides and pools slightly on the plate. A lime wedge rests beside the stack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons lime juice (plus extra for rice and avocado)
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 ripe avocados, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, 2 tablespoons lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic to create the glaze.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 3: During the last 2 minutes, brush the honey lime glaze over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice with chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and salt to taste. Mix well and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 5: Slice the avocados and gently toss with 1 tablespoon lime juice, salt, and pepper to prevent browning and add flavor.
Step 6: Using a round mold or large cookie cutter on your serving plate, press the rice mixture into the bottom as a base layer. Layer sliced avocado over the rice, then top with sliced honey lime chicken.
Step 7: Carefully remove the mold and repeat for additional servings. Drizzle any remaining honey lime glaze around the plate for extra flavor and presentation.

Tips & Variations

Choose chicken breasts of similar thickness or pound them evenly to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
Cook the glaze until it just bubbles and thickens slightly; add a teaspoon of water if it becomes too thick.
Select ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but hold their shape when sliced.
Use a ring mold, large cookie cutter, or clean tuna can with ends removed for perfectly shaped stacks, or freeform if you prefer a rustic look.
Substitute brown rice for white rice, or try quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the glaze or diced jalapeños to the rice mixture.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add sliced avocado fresh before serving to prevent browning. Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or microwave in short intervals. Reheat rice with a splash of water to keep it moist. You can freeze the cooked chicken (without avocado and rice) for up to 3 months; thaw completely before reheating.

How to Serve

A stack of three layers sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, compact mound of white rice with a soft texture. The middle layer is made of small, bright green avocado cubes mixed with chunks of grilled, caramelized chicken that have a golden brown and slightly charred surface. The top layer consists of more caramelized chicken pieces and sliced avocado, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs. A dark brown sauce is drizzled from the top, pooling around the base of the stack on the plate. A lime wedge is partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and rice up to 2 days in advance, but slice the avocado fresh just before serving to maintain its color and texture.

What if I don’t have fresh lime?

While fresh lime juice delivers the best flavor, bottled lime juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Use slightly less, as bottled versions may be more concentrated.