Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack!

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe

This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. The tender, sweet-and-savory honey lime chicken paired with creamy avocado and perfectly seasoned rice creates a delicious, layered meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s super customizable based on what you have in your kitchen!

Ingredients:

For the Honey Lime Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb), boneless and skinless

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a little heat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 cup white or brown rice (or quinoa for a lighter option)

• 2 cups water or chicken broth (for extra flavor)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional, for added zing)

For the Avocado Layer:

• 2 ripe avocados, mashed

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or chopped cilantro for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper.

• Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge (or up to 2 hours if you have time).

2. Cook the Rice:

• In a medium saucepan, add the rice, water or chicken broth, olive oil or butter, salt, and garlic powder. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes (for white rice) or 35 minutes (for brown rice) until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

• Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the lime juice if you want an extra burst of freshness.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

4. Prepare the Avocado Layer:

• While the chicken is cooking, mash the ripe avocados in a bowl. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste. If you like, you can also add a pinch of garlic powder or some chopped cilantro for extra flavor.

5. Assemble the Stack:

• In individual bowls or plates, layer the ingredients as follows:

  1. A spoonful of seasoned rice as the base.

  2. A layer of mashed avocado on top of the rice.

  3. Arrange the sliced honey lime chicken over the avocado.

• You can garnish the stack with chopped cilantro, extra lime wedges, or even a drizzle of the remaining marinade for extra flavor.

Storage and Meal Prep:

• To Store:

  • The chicken and rice will last about 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container. The mashed avocado is best served fresh, but you can store it for a day if needed by covering it tightly with plastic wrap to minimize browning.

• To Reheat:

  • Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent them from drying out. For the avocado, it’s best to add it fresh to the stack when serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q/A):

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes! Chicken thighs will work great in this recipe. They’re more flavorful and juicy than chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may need a few extra minutes.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Absolutely! You can skip the chicken and use a protein-rich substitute, like grilled tofu, tempeh, or black beans, to keep it hearty and filling.

3. Can I use brown rice or another grain?

• Yes! You can substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid amount according to the type of grain.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

• If you like heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, more chili powder, or even a diced jalapeño to the honey lime marinade. You could also drizzle some hot sauce on top of the stack before serving.

5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the rice and chicken in advance. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s best to assemble the stack fresh, especially when it comes to the avocado.

6. Can I freeze the chicken and rice?

• Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice for up to 2-3 months. Just let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave, and add fresh avocado when you’re ready to serve.