Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack
This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant and satisfying dish that layers sweet, tangy grilled chicken over savory rice, topped with creamy avocado.
It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and ideal for a refreshing lunch or dinner—especially in warm weather. Each bite brings a perfect balance of textures and taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s a burst of bold flavor—sweet honey, zesty lime, savory rice, and buttery avocado.
Quick and easy to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Customizable for all diets—swap grains, spice it up, or add veggies!
Naturally gluten-free and loaded with wholesome ingredients.
Feels like a gourmet meal but comes together with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken breast – Lean and high in protein, the perfect base for the honey-lime marinade.
Honey & lime juice – A tangy-sweet combo that brings brightness and balance.
Sesame oil & soy sauce – Give the rice a warm, savory umami kick.
Avocado – Adds a creamy, cooling finish that pairs beautifully with the zesty chicken.
Chicken broth – Infuses the rice with rich flavor without needing extra seasoning.
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
Ingredients:
For the Rice:
2 cups rice
3 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
For the Avocado Layer:
1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
Instructions:
1. Cook the Rice:
In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder.
Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, and grated ginger. Add the sliced chicken, toss to coat well, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer if time allows).
3. Cook the Chicken:
Grill or sauté the marinated chicken over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked—about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You want a bit of char for extra flavor.
4. Build the Stack:
In individual bowls or a serving dish, start by layering the rice at the bottom. Top with slices of grilled honey-lime chicken, then finish with fresh avocado slices.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of extra lime.
Tips & Twists:
Add a kick by mixing red pepper flakes into the marinade.
Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Add sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for extra texture and flavor.
Notes:
Marinate for More Flavor: While 15 minutes is enough in a pinch, marinating the chicken for at least 1 hour (or overnight) enhances the honey-lime flavor even more.
Cook Chicken Evenly: Slice the chicken thin and evenly to ensure it cooks quickly and uniformly on the grill or skillet.
Fresh Lime is Best: Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most natural flavor—bottled lime juice just doesn’t compare.
Add Avocado Last: Slice and add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and keep it looking fresh and appetizing.
Customize the Stack: Feel free to layer with extras like shredded lettuce, pickled onions, roasted corn, or a drizzle of creamy dressing for added texture and flavor.
Make it a Bowl: If you don’t want to stack, turn it into a simple rice bowl—same great flavors, easier to eat!
For Extra Heat: Add chili flakes or a bit of sriracha to the chicken marinade if you like a little spice.
Meal Prep Tip: Store components separately and assemble just before serving for best texture and freshness throughout the week.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: ~480 kcal | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes! Store the rice, chicken, and avocado separately.
Assemble just before eating to keep it fresh.
What other toppings go well with this dish?
Fresh herbs (like cilantro), sliced cucumbers, radishes, or a drizzle of spicy mayo are great additions.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes! It works beautifully as a cold rice bowl—perfect for summer lunches.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 15 minutes, but up to 2 hours is ideal for maximum flavor.
Can I cook the chicken in a skillet instead of grilling?
Yes, use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat for the best results.
How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
Use the right ratio of liquid to rice, simmer on low, and let it sit for 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice are ideal.
For a healthier twist, try brown rice or quinoa.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use veggie broth for the rice.