Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack

🥑🍯 Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack

📖 Description

Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant, layered dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Juicy honey-lime glazed chicken is paired with fluffy rice and creamy avocado, stacked beautifully for a fresh, wholesome meal. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch, light dinner, or meal prep, offering bold flavor with simple ingredients.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

🍽️ Servings

• Serves: 4 people

• Serving Size: 1 stack (about 1½ cups total)

🧾 Ingredients

Honey Lime Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast

• 3 tbsp honey

• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice

• 1 tbsp lime zest

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Rice Layer

• 1 cup jasmine or long-grain white rice

• 2 cups water or chicken broth

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp lime juice (optional)

Avocado Layer

• 2 ripe avocados, diced

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Salt, to taste

Optional Garnishes

• Extra cilantro

• Lime wedges

• Red pepper flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Rice

1. Rinse rice under cold water.

2. Combine rice, water (or broth), and salt in a saucepan.

3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in lime juice if using.

2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or thin strips.

2. In a bowl, whisk honey, lime juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

3️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add marinated chicken (reserve excess marinade).

3. Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.

4. Pour in reserved marinade and simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.

4️⃣ Prepare Avocado Layer

1. In a bowl, gently mix diced avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.

2. Mash lightly or keep chunky based on preference.

5️⃣ Assemble the Stack

1. Spoon rice into the base of a bowl or mold.

2. Add a generous layer of honey lime chicken.

3. Top with avocado mixture.

4. Garnish and serve warm.

🌟 Chef’s Notes & Tips

• 🔥 Caramelization Tip: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a better glaze.

• 🍚 Rice Swap: Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variation.

• 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or cayenne to the marinade.

• 🥑 Freshness Tip: Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

• 🍱 Meal Prep: Store components separately for up to 3 days.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: ~520 kcal

• Protein: 35 g

• Carbohydrates: 48 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Fiber: 7 g

• Sugar: 14 g

• Sodium: ~420 mg

(Values may vary based on ingredients used)

💪 Health Benefits

• 🥗 High Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety.

• 🥑 Healthy Fats: Avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

• 🍯 Natural Sweetener: Honey offers antioxidants and energy.

• 🍋 Vitamin C Boost: Lime supports immunity and digestion.

• 🌾 Balanced Meal: Combines carbs, protein, and fats for sustained energy.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully—adjust cooking time slightly.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially broth) are gluten-free.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead?
A: Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store rice and chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Add avocado fresh.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: It is naturally dairy-free.

🌮 Serving Suggestions

• Serve in bowls, meal prep containers, or lettuce cups

• Pair with corn salsa or black beans

• Drizzle with extra lime crema or yogurt sauce (optional)