Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe
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
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
- 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