Get ready for a vibrant and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm weather or any time you crave bright, fresh flavors! This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack brings together tender, thinly sliced chicken marinated in a sweet and zesty honey-lime glaze, served over savory rice, and crowned with creamy avocado. It’s a beautifully layered dish that’s both flavorful and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for a summer meal or a healthy weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a true gem in my kitchen! What I love most is the incredible balance of flavors: the sweetness of honey and tang of lime in the chicken marinade creates an irresistible glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The savory rice cooked with soy sauce and sesame oil provides a perfect foundation, while the creamy avocado adds a luxurious texture and healthy fats. It’s a dish that looks incredibly impressive when stacked, but is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it fantastic for entertaining or simply elevating your everyday dinner. It’s light, refreshing, and absolutely bursting with deliciousness!

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and refreshing dish:

For the Rice:

• 2 cups rice (jasmine or basmati recommended)
• 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (toasted sesame oil recommended)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger (freshly grated recommended)

For the Avocado Stack/Garnish (Recipe assumed from title):

• 1-2 avocados, ripe, diced or sliced
• Optional garnishes: fresh cilantro, extra lime wedges, sesame seeds

Swaps and Notes

• Rice: Jasmine or Basmati rice are ideal for their aroma and texture. Long-grain white rice works too. Brown rice can be used, but will require more broth and a longer cooking time.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth gives you more control over the saltiness. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
• Soy Sauce: Use regular or low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
• Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil provides that distinctive nutty, aromatic flavor.
• Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb the marinade well. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.
• Honey: Any type of honey will work. Maple syrup could be a substitute for a different flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the bright, zesty flavor of the marinade.
• Grated Ginger: Freshly grated ginger provides the best vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger can be used.
• Avocado: Choose ripe avocados that yield gently to pressure for creaminess. Dice or slice them just before serving to prevent browning.
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh cilantro adds herbaceousness, extra lime wedges provide more tang, and sesame seeds add a nice textural crunch.

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Instructions

Let’s get this flavorful and refreshing Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack assembled!

1. Prepare the Rice:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 cups of rice, 3 cups of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed all the liquid. Avoid lifting the lid during this time. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
2. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
   • While the rice cooks, in a shallow dish or medium bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of grated ginger.
3. Marinate and Cook Chicken:
   • Add the 1 pound of thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the honey-lime marinade. Toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature while the rice finishes, or for up to 30 minutes.
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tiny drizzle of olive oil if needed. Add the marinated chicken slices (reserving any excess marinade in the bowl). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, cooked through, and the marinade has caramelized slightly on the chicken. (Internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
   • If there’s any remaining marinade, you can add it to the skillet after the chicken is cooked, bring it to a quick simmer to thicken into a glaze, then toss the chicken back in.
4. Prepare Avocado & Garnish:
   • Dice or slice the ripe avocados just before assembling to prevent browning. If using, chop fresh cilantro and get any extra lime wedges and sesame seeds ready.
5. Assemble the Stack (or Bowls):
   • For a stacked presentation: Use a round mold or a small, clean food can (both ends removed) placed on the serving plate. Spoon a layer of the cooked savory rice into the bottom of the mold, pressing gently. Top with a layer of the honey-lime chicken. Finish with a layer of diced avocado. Gently remove the mold.
   • For a bowl presentation: Place a scoop of savory rice in a bowl. Top with the honey-lime chicken and a generous amount of sliced or diced avocado.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra sesame seeds, and a fresh lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, refreshing dish!

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Tips for Success

• Thinly Slice Chicken: This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and absorbs the marinade effectively, and makes for nice layers in a stack.
• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Lean chicken breast cooks fast. Overcooked chicken will be dry. Cook until just done.
• Fresh Lime & Ginger: These fresh ingredients are crucial for the vibrant flavor of the marinade.
• Fluff Rice: Once the rice is cooked and rested, fluff it with a fork to ensure a light, airy texture for stacking.
• Dice Avocado Last: Cut the avocado right before assembly to maintain its fresh color.
• Stacking (Optional): If using a ring mold, ensure the rice is packed gently but firmly to hold its shape.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a complete meal, but can be complemented with light additions:

• Extra Lime Wedges: Always a good idea for an extra squeeze of fresh lime.
• Fresh Salsa: A light, fruity salsa could be a nice addition.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a very light vinaigrette.
• Tortilla Chips: For a bit of crunch on the side.
• For other incredibly flavorful chicken and rice combinations, you might also love our Pineapple Chicken and Ricefor a similar tropical twist.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the avocado and the tender chicken.

• Cooked Chicken & Rice (Separately): The honey-lime chicken and savory rice can be cooked ahead and stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Avocado & Garnish: Avocado should always be sliced/diced fresh just before serving.
• Assembled Stacks/Bowls: Best consumed immediately to maintain texture and prevent avocado browning.
• Reheating: Reheat chicken and rice separately in the microwave or a skillet until warmed through. Add fresh avocado and garnishes.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the fresh, flavorful, and easy nature of this chicken and rice dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic chicken and rice recipes:

• For another fantastic one-pan chicken and rice meal, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you’re a fan of lighter chicken dishes, our A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave and There’s No Mayo in Sight is a must-try.
• And for a hearty, comforting one-pan chicken and sausage meal, don’t miss our One-Pan Cajun Chicken, Sausage, and Rice Recipe!
• Finally, for another amazing chicken dish that uses simple ingredients to create big flavors, our Caramelized Baked Chicken Legs or Wings are a winner.

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Final Thoughts

This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly flavorful, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, light dinners, or whenever you want a vibrant dish that feels both wholesome and gourmet.

Give this recipe a try and let the bright flavors of honey, lime, and avocado brighten your mealtime! What are your favorite stacked or layered dishes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!