Fresh & Zesty Chicken Avocado Rice Bowl
🍽️ Servings: 4 | ⏱️ Total Time: 35 minutes
🧾 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1½ lbs skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 medium pieces)
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3 tbsp honey
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Juice & zest of 2 limes
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cilantro Lime Rice:
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1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
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2 cups water or chicken broth
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt, to taste
For the Avocado Layer:
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2 ripe avocados, diced
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1 tbsp lime juice
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Pinch of salt
Optional Toppings:
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Diced tomatoes
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Extra chopped cilantro
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Crumbled cotija or feta cheese
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Lime wedges
👩🍳 Instructions
STEP 1: Marinate the Chicken
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In a bowl, whisk together:
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Honey
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Lime juice & zest
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Olive oil
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Minced garlic
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Cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
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Add the chicken to a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
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Pour marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
STEP 2: Cook the Rice
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Rinse the rice under cold water until water runs clear.
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In a pot, combine rice, water (or broth), and a pinch of salt.
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Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed.
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Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro.
STEP 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken
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Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
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Remove chicken from the marinade.
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Grill or sear for 5–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or dicing.
STEP 4: Prepare the Avocado
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In a bowl, toss the diced avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
STEP 5: Assemble the Bowl
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Add a scoop of cilantro lime rice to each bowl or plate.
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Top with sliced lime chicken, then spoon over the avocado.
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Add optional toppings like tomatoes, cheese, extra cilantro, and lime wedges.
✅ Tips:
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Want it spicy? Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the marinade.
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Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
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Make it meal-prep friendly by storing rice, chicken, and avocado separately.