This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack comes together in about 30 minutes, all in one pot, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love!
Ingredient Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this succulent chicken dish explode with taste:
- 4 Pieces Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): The star of the show! Chicken breasts are easy to cook and absorb the tangy marinade beautifully. You can also use thighs if you want a juicier option.
- 3 Tablespoons Honey: This sweet nectar is what gives each bite that irresistible glaze. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.
- 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is the way to go! It brightens up everything, seriously, you’ll see.
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest adds an extra kick of citrus goodness.
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced): Because garlic makes everything better, right?
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin adds depth. You could swap it for chili powder for a little heat if you like.
- Salt & Pepper: A couple pinches, of course, to taste!
- 1 Cup Jasmine Rice (or basmati): I love the nutty flavor of jasmine, but basmati works beautifully too.
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth: For cooking the rice, it makes it so much richer.
- 2 Pieces Avocado (diced): Creamy and healthy, they add a wonderful texture.
- 1 Small Red Onion (finely chopped): Sweet and colorful!
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped): You can garnish with this for a vibrant finish.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: A little oil for sautéing the onions.
- 4 Pieces Lime Wedges: For garnish; because who doesn’t want to squeeze a bit more lime over everything?
Instructions For Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack
Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sounds good already, right? Pour that glorious mixture over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep your other ingredients. Trust me, patience pays off here.
Prepare the Rice: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, like, sizzle hot, add the finely chopped red onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until they become translucent, which is usually about 3-4 minutes. The kitchen is going to smell AMAZING already!
Add Rice & Broth: Stir in the jasmine rice (or basmati), then pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is perfectly fluffy. You might wanna peek at it now and then, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
Cook the Chicken: While the rice is cooking, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade (but save that marinade!). Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll want those beautiful grill marks, too.
Add Marinade: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the leftover marinade into the pan. Scrape the yummy bits off the bottom, it not only enhances the flavor. It’s the best way to make your sauce lush and coated!
Serve It Up: Once the chicken is fully cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. Fluff up that rice and layer it on your plates, top with the creamy diced avocado, sliced chicken, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Oh, and don’t forget those lime wedges!
Enjoy: Dig into this stack of yumminess, and watch your family devour every last bite!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Green Sauce Chicken or my Fiesta Lime Chicken With Avocado Salsa!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
One of the biggest wins here is how fast it comes together. Seriously, you can cook everything in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when your energy levels are low, but the family still expects dinner!
Customizable
The beauty of this Tangy Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is how versatile it is. Have leftover veggies? Toss ’em in! Want to swap the chicken for some black beans for a vegetarian option? Go ahead! The flavors work so well together that there’s room for creativity.
Minimal Cleanup Required
Since most of the cooking happens in one pot, you have less to clean afterward. Who doesn’t love that? Cook your rice, sauté your chicken, and stir! Voila, a delicious supper with minimal dirty dishes.
Comfort Food
This meal is loaded with tons of flavor and is so satisfying. It’s like a warm hug from the inside out, and it’s totally kid-approved. My family devours it faster than you can say, “dinner!”
Fresh Ingredients
With fresh lime juice and creamy avocado, you’re not only making a meal but also treating your body well. The zesty lime tones, mixed with the luscious avocado, create a beautiful balance in taste and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
So, how do you savor this delicious meal? Here are a few ways to elevate your Tangy Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack:
- On a Bed of Greens: Why not serve it on a bed of fresh greens for an added crunch? It makes it feel extra fresh!
- Tacos Style: Slice the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas with extra avocado and cilantro. The kids will love it!
- With a Side Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette can complement this dish beautifully.
- Drinks to Pair: Serve it with a refreshing sparkling water infused with lime for the complete experience.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which might be a big if), you can keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, just pop it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through. You can also do this on the stovetop. Just add a splash of broth to keep things moist while reheating.
- Freezer Friendly: I wouldn’t really recommend freezing the avocados, but the chicken and rice can freeze beautifully! Just separate them into portions and store them in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
You know, cooking should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. When you can create something delicious, easy, and comforting like this Tangy Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack, you’ll find that dinnertime can be restorative too! So, here’s to quick weeknight dinners that transform into family favorites. This one is absolutely worth repeating!
And hey, remember to savor the little moments around the dinner table, stories shared, laughter echoed, and maybe even the occasional food fight over the last piece of chicken! Now, go make this dish and let it be the star of your next family meal! And for more recipes, follow us on Pinterest.
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Tangy Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring marinated chicken breast served over avocado rice, bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 Pieces Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 3 Tablespoons Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Lime Zest
- 2 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 Cup Jasmine Rice (or basmati)
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Pieces Avocado (diced)
- 1 Small Red Onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Pieces Lime Wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour over chicken and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the rice: heat olive oil in a large pot, add chopped red onion, and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the rice and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is fluffy.
- Cook the chicken: grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through at 165°F.
- Add leftover marinade to the pan and scrape the bottom to enhance flavor.
- To serve, fluff the rice, layer on plates, top with diced avocado, sliced chicken, and garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
This recipe is customizable; feel free to swap in different proteins or vegetables. Minimal cleanup is required as most cooking is done in one pot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg