Introduction

This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines tender glazed chicken, fluffy cilantro rice, and creamy avocado. Its bright flavors and elegant presentation make it perfect for a special dinner or a tasty weeknight meal.

The dish shows three main layers on a round white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick, compact mound of white rice with a slightly sticky texture, garnished with small green herbs scattered on and around it. The middle layer is a square piece of grilled fish with a rich, caramelized brown and reddish crust. The top layer consists of several green avocado slices neatly fanned out, topped with white sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs. A halved lime with a bright green color rests beside the rice on the plate. A light brown sauce with herbs is drizzled around the rice, adding extra color and texture. 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
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 the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic to create the glaze.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. During the last few minutes, brush the honey lime glaze onto the chicken and let it caramelize. Let the chicken rest before slicing.
Step 3: While the chicken cooks, mix the cooked rice with chopped cilantro and a splash of fresh lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Toss avocado slices gently with lime juice, salt, and pepper to prevent browning and add flavor.
Step 5: To assemble, press the cilantro-lime rice into the bottom of a round mold or cookie cutter. Add a layer of avocado slices, then top with sliced honey lime chicken. Carefully remove the mold and repeat for additional servings. Drizzle leftover glaze around the plate if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a juicier option, try using chicken thighs instead of breasts—adjust cooking time accordingly.
Brown rice works well here and adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
To add a little kick, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chili flakes on top before serving.
If you don’t have a mold, assemble the layers freehand on a plate for a rustic look.

Storage

Store leftover chicken, rice, and avocado separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss avocado with extra lime juice to keep it fresh and prevent browning. Use leftovers within 2 days. Chicken and rice freeze well if stored separately, but avoid freezing avocado slices as they lose texture. Reheat chicken and rice gently, adding a little water or leftover glaze to retain moisture, and add fresh avocado when serving.

How to Serve

A neatly stacked dish with three layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a thick, round mound of white rice sprinkled lightly with chopped green herbs. On top of the rice is a square piece of grilled fish with a caramelized, glossy dark brown crust. The top layer features several peeled, thick slices of green avocado fanned out in a row, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and finely chopped green herbs. Around the base of the stack is a drizzle of dark sauce mixed with scattered herbs, and a halved lime rests on the side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and cooled before assembling your stack.

How do I keep the avocado from browning before serving?

Toss sliced avocado with lime juice immediately. The citric acid slows browning and enhances flavor, keeping the avocado fresh and appealing.

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

A fresh and vibrant Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack that layers tender honey-lime glazed chicken breast, fluffy cilantro-lime rice, and creamy avocado slices. This dish combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with varied textures for a visually stunning and delicious meal perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a wholesome dinner.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons lime juice (plus extra for avocado and rice)
1 teaspoon lime zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1–2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)

Rice

1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Salt, to taste

Avocado

2 ripe avocados, sliced
Fresh lime juice (to toss avocado)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes (Optional)

Fresh cilantro sprigs
Thin lime wedges
Toasted sesame seeds
Chili flakes

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, and minced garlic to create a honey-lime glaze. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked through. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the honey-lime glaze onto the chicken and allow it to caramelize, creating a sticky, flavorful coating. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest to retain its juices before slicing.
Prepare the Rice: While the chicken cooks, combine the cooked rice with chopped cilantro and a splash of fresh lime juice in a bowl. Season with salt to taste and mix well to infuse the rice with fresh herb and citrus flavor.
Prepare the Avocado: Slice the ripe avocados and gently toss them with fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper. This prevents browning and adds a bright complementary flavor to the creamy avocado layer.
Assemble the Stack: Using a round mold, cookie cutter, or a clean tuna can with the ends removed, firmly press a layer of the cilantro-lime rice into the bottom to form the base. Arrange the avocado slices in an overlapping pattern on top of the rice. Finish by layering the sliced honey-lime chicken on top, spreading pieces attractively. Carefully remove the mold to reveal a neat stack. Repeat for additional servings. Optionally drizzle any remaining honey-lime glaze around the plate for extra flavor and presentation flair.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs, thin lime wedges, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added color and flavor. Serve immediately alongside crisp salads, steamed vegetables, or grilled corn for a complete meal.

Notes

Use chicken breasts of similar thickness or pound to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber.
Always toss avocado slices with lime juice promptly to prevent browning.
Store leftover chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge; consume within 2 days.
Avoid freezing avocado slices as they lose texture and become mushy upon thawing.
Reheat chicken and rice gently with a splash of water or glaze to maintain moisture; add fresh avocado after reheating.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using plain rice and checked honey.
If you don’t have a mold for stacking, layer the ingredients freehand on a plate.

Keywords: Honey Lime Chicken, Avocado Rice Stack, Cilantro Lime Rice, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Gluten Free Chicken, Easy Dinner, Honey Lime Glaze