Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado

This honey lime chicken and avocado rice stack brings together sweet, tangy, and creamy elements in perfect harmony. I created this dish when looking for a beautiful yet simple weeknight meal that would impress without hours in the kitchen.

I first made this for my sister when she visited after having her first baby. The bright flavors were exactly what she needed, and now it's become her go-to recipe when hosting friends at her place.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: they absorb the marinade beautifully and cook quickly
• Honey: provides natural sweetness that caramelizes perfectly when cooking
• Fresh lime juice and zest: essential for bright citrus notes that cut through richness
• Garlic: adds depth and savory notes to balance the sweetness
• White or brown rice: creates a fluffy base that absorbs flavors from other components
• Fresh cilantro: brings herbaceous notes that complement the lime perfectly
• Ripe avocados: provide creamy richness and healthy fats choose ones that yield slightly to pressure
• Salt and pepper: enhance all the flavors without overpowering

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

Whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, salt and pepper until fully combined. Pour over chicken breasts in a shallow dish, making sure each piece is fully coated. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, though 30 minutes to 2 hours will develop even deeper flavor. The acid in the lime juice begins tenderizing the chicken while the honey prepares to caramelize during cooking.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat your grill or skillet until it's properly hot before adding chicken. Place marinated chicken on the cooking surface, allowing it to sear for 6-7 minutes without moving it. This develops a caramelized exterior from the honey. Flip once and cook another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Prepare the Rice:

Mix warm cooked rice with fresh chopped cilantro, lime juice and salt. The warm rice will absorb the flavors more effectively than cold rice. Make sure to fluff the rice thoroughly with a fork before and after adding ingredients for the best texture.

Prepare the Avocado:

Slice avocados just before assembly to minimize browning. Toss gently with lime juice which not only adds flavor but also helps prevent oxidation. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural buttery flavor of the avocado.

Assemble the Stack:

Start with a base of cilantro lime rice packed firmly into a ring mold or cup if desired for a more structured presentation. Layer sliced chicken on top, arranging in a circular pattern. Crown with avocado slices, fanning them slightly for visual appeal. Carefully remove any mold used. Drizzle with reserved marinade for extra flavor and moisture.

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My son initially refused to try this because he "doesn't like green food," but the honey lime chicken won him over completely. Now he asks for "the stacky dinner" at least once a week, avocado and all!

Storage Tips

This dish is best enjoyed immediately after assembly, but the components can be stored separately. Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice stays fresh for 4-5 days when refrigerated. For avocados, store any unused portions with the pit in an airtight container with a piece of onion to prevent browning.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes creative variations. Try adding black beans or corn to the rice layer for extra texture and protein. Mango or pineapple chunks work beautifully alongside the avocado for a tropical twist. For a spicier version, incorporate diced jalapeños into the marinade or rice. The recipe also works wonderfully with salmon or shrimp as protein alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

While beautiful as a stack, this can be transformed into a family-style dish by layering components in a large serving platter. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette. For entertaining, consider making mini stacks using a biscuit cutter as individual appetizer portions. A cold Mexican beer or citrusy white wine makes the perfect beverage pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, but for more flavor, you can extend the marinating time to up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great alternative to white rice and adds more fiber and a nutty flavor to the dish.

→ How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Toss the avocado slices with lime juice, which acts as a natural preservative, to prevent browning.

→ Can this dish be made ahead of time?

While the components can be prepared in advance, it's best to assemble the dish just before serving for the freshest presentation and taste.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken?

Grilling is ideal for this recipe, but you can use a skillet or bake the chicken in the oven if preferred.