My family’s summer barbecues were always legendary, filled with laughter, games, and of course, amazing food. My aunt, the undisputed queen of the grill, always had a new recipe up her sleeve. One summer, she introduced us to something truly special, a dish that combined the bright flavors of lime and honey with tender chicken and creamy avocado. That recipe, or at least my slightly tweaked version of it, is what I’m sharing with you today.
The memory of that first bite is still so vivid. The sweetness of the honey perfectly balanced the tartness of the lime, creating a flavor explosion that had everyone reaching for seconds. It was simple, yet so incredibly satisfying. It marked a time of warmth, togetherness, and the joy of sharing good food with loved ones. To ensure that you can make a meal just as quickly as the chicken cooks, I’ve recently been using my slow cooker to create some simple bases, just like with this slow cooker thai coconut chicken soup recipe.
Why you’ll love this Stacked Honey Lime Chicken with Avocado Rice
- This honey lime chicken recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of sweet honey, tangy lime, and creamy avocado is a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
- The avocado rice is a delicious and healthy side dish that complements the chicken perfectly.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking with different toppings and sides.
- The honey lime chicken marinade keeps the chicken incredibly juicy and flavorful.
- This is a great recipe for meal prepping, as the chicken and rice can be stored separately and assembled later.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Directions
Step 1
Honey lime chicken makes every moment feel uplifting. In a bowl, whisk together honey, 1/4 cup lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 2
While the chicken marinates, prepare the avocado rice. In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice, diced avocado, cilantro, chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold together until well combined.
Step 3
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade). Add chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon avocado rice onto plates and top with sliced honey lime chicken. Garnish with lime wedges and additional cilantro, if desired.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade. You can also add a diced jalapeño to the avocado rice for extra heat. Consider adding a splash of orange juice to the honey lime marinade for a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor profile.
If you prefer a different type of protein, this marinade also works well with turkey cutlets or even tofu. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You could also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor.
For a lower-carb option, swap the white rice for cauliflower rice. Or, consider using quinoa as the base instead of rice for added protein and fiber. You could also add diced mango to the avocado rice for a tropical twist.
Pairings
This honey lime chicken and avocado rice pairs perfectly with a side of black beans. The earthy flavor of the black beans complements the sweetness of the honey and the creaminess of the avocado. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette is also a great addition.
Consider serving it with some warm tortillas for making tacos or burritos. Top with your favorite salsa, shredded lettuce, and sour cream for a complete meal. Another great pairing is grilled corn on the cob, adding a touch of sweetness and smokiness.
For a refreshing drink, try a margarita or limeade. Both drinks will enhance the citrusy flavors of the dish. A light vegetable broth, like a Mexican vegetable broth, would also complement the flavors well.
Serving ideas
For an elegant presentation, arrange the avocado rice in a ring on the plate and place the sliced honey lime chicken in the center. Garnish with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. You can also drizzle a little extra honey lime marinade over the chicken for added flavor and shine.
Serve the dish family-style in a large bowl for a more casual gathering. Place all the components on a platter so people can serve themselves. Consider adding some colorful toppings, like diced tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers, for a visually appealing presentation.
For a fun twist, serve the honey lime chicken and avocado rice in lettuce wraps. This is a light and refreshing way to enjoy the flavors. Another option is to layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a portable and visually appealing lunch.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover chicken and avocado rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will prevent the rice from becoming soggy. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
To prevent the avocado in the rice from browning, drizzle with lime juice before storing. This will help to preserve its vibrant green color. You can also add a layer of plastic wrap directly on top of the rice to prevent air exposure.
Freezing is not recommended for the avocado rice, as the texture of the avocado will change. However, the honey lime chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-ahead
The chicken can be marinated ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more. Prepare the avocado rice a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Cook the rice a day ahead of time to save time on the day of serving. You can also chop the cilantro and dice the avocado in advance, but be sure to store them separately to prevent browning. If you’re grilling the chicken, you can prepare the grill and have it ready to go.
For a quick weeknight meal, consider using pre-cooked rice. This will significantly reduce the overall cooking time. You can also buy pre-diced avocados to save even more time. Pre-cooked chicken is also an option, but it may not be as juicy as freshly cooked chicken.
Common mistakes when making Stacked Honey Lime Chicken with Avocado Rice
- Overcooking the chicken: This can result in dry and tough chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Not marinating the chicken long enough: The marinade is key to the flavor of this dish. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, or preferably longer, for the best results.
- Using underripe avocados: This will result in a rice that is not creamy and flavorful. Make sure the avocados are ripe but not overly soft.
- Adding too much lime juice to the avocado rice: This can make the rice too tart. Start with a small amount of lime juice and add more to taste.
- Not seasoning the chicken and rice adequately: Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors of the dish. Season generously to taste.
Final notes
This honey lime chicken with avocado rice is a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The bright, fresh flavors are perfect for any time of year, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to make it your own!
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to serve to guests, this recipe is a winner. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a dish that will transport you to a sunny summer barbecue. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do!
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Stacked Honey Lime Chicken with Avocado Rice
Juicy honey lime marinated chicken breasts served atop a bed of creamy, vibrant avocado rice. This dish is bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, 1/4 cup lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the avocado rice. In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice, diced avocado, cilantro, chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold together until well combined.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (discard the marinade). Add chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Spoon avocado rice onto plates and top with sliced honey lime chicken. Garnish with lime wedges and additional cilantro, if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade. Store leftover chicken and avocado rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the avocado from browning, drizzle with lime juice before storing. Serve with a side of black beans or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg