Introduction

This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The combination of tangy lime, sweet honey, and creamy avocado makes each bite vibrant and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare but impressive to serve.

The dish shows three distinct layers on a white plate set on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a compact round mound of fluffy white rice with small green herbs mixed in. The middle layer has pieces of dark golden-brown grilled chicken with a shiny glaze that looks slightly sticky and sprinkled with tiny green herbs. The top layer features neatly sliced pieces of bright green avocado, fanned out in a curved row and glistening with a light drizzle of sauce and small seasoning bits. Around the base of the rice, there is a pool of golden-brown sauce sprinkled with finely chopped herbs, creating a fresh, colorful contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil, for cooking
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
¼ cup fresh coriander, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt, to taste
2 ripe avocados, sliced
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic to create the glaze.
Step 3: Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/71°C).
Step 4: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the honey lime glaze over the chicken, allowing it to caramelize. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with chopped coriander, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and salt to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Slice the avocados and gently toss with 1 tablespoon lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 7: To assemble, place a ring mold or large cookie cutter on a serving plate. Press the rice mixture firmly into the bottom to form the base.
Step 8: Layer the sliced avocado over the rice, slightly overlapping the slices for a neat presentation.
Step 9: Arrange the sliced honey lime chicken on top of the avocado layer attractively.
Step 10: Carefully remove the mold. Drizzle any remaining glaze around the plate for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Step 11: Repeat the process for additional servings and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Tips & Variations

Use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist.
To add crunch, sprinkle toasted pepitas or chopped nuts on top before serving.
Swap coriander for fresh parsley or basil if preferred.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the honey lime glaze.
If you don’t have a ring mold, use a clean, empty can with both ends removed to shape the stack.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avocado slices are best prepared fresh, but if needed, store them with a squeeze of lime juice in an airtight container to minimize browning. Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stove; avoid reheating avocados to maintain their texture.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a tall, round stack with three main layers. The bottom layer is a dense, compact mound of white rice with small green herb bits scattered on and around it. The middle layer consists of several golden-brown, crispy chicken pieces with a slightly shiny glaze, showing a mix of cooked texture and herbs. The top layer has slices of fresh bright green avocado, fanned out neatly, drizzled with a glossy sauce and sprinkled with small white and green seasoning particles. Around the base on the plate, there is a light brown sauce pooled, sprinkled with more green herbs. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They will stay juicier and may require slightly longer cooking time.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Toss sliced avocado with lime juice immediately after slicing to slow down browning. Serve the avocado layer soon after assembling the dish for the best appearance.