Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the perfect balance of flavor and texture—sweet, citrusy, savory, and creamy, all in one bite. The honey-lime marinated chicken is packed with bold flavor, while the avocado and rice add richness and substance. It’s also easy to assemble and naturally gluten-free. Plus, the layered presentation gives it a restaurant-worthy look that’s great for entertaining or meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Honey Lime Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Fresh lime juice and zest
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: chili flakes or hot sauce for heat
For the Rice Stack:
- Cooked white or brown rice (jasmine or basmati work well)
- Ripe avocado, diced or mashed
- Lime juice (to keep avocado fresh)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Diced tomatoes or mango
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Extra lime wedges
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or resealable bag, combine lime juice, lime zest, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the fridge.
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely browned. Let rest, then slice or dice.
- Prepare the Rice Layer: In a bowl, season cooked rice with lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Prep the Avocado: Dice or lightly mash avocado with a little lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Stack: Using a ring mold or small bowl, layer rice on the bottom, followed by mashed avocado, then sliced honey lime chicken on top. Press gently to hold shape, then remove the mold.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with your favorite garnishes like chopped tomatoes, red onion, extra herbs, or a dollop of Greek yogurt. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (minimum)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including marination)
Variations
- Add Grains: Swap rice for quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for different textures.
- Go Spicy: Add jalapeños, chipotle powder, or a spicy aioli on top.
- Make it Vegan: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same honey-lime mixture (use agave for vegan).
- Add Crunch: Top with toasted pepitas or crispy tortilla strips.
- Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple for a fruity layer.
Storage/Reheating
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or stovetop. Avocado is best fresh, but you can minimize browning by storing it with lime juice and tightly covered. Assembled stacks are best served fresh and not ideal for freezing.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, just warm it and toss it in the honey-lime glaze before layering.
Do I need a mold to make the stack?
No, but a food ring mold or small bowl makes stacking easier and prettier. You can also layer it in a jar or bowl for a casual presentation.
Can I serve this cold?
Absolutely. It makes a refreshing chilled rice bowl, especially in warm weather.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just check that your seasonings and sauces are certified GF.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shred it and mix with a bit of honey-lime glaze to infuse flavor.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice offer great texture and flavor, but brown rice works well for added fiber.
How can I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss it with lime juice and press plastic wrap directly on the surface before refrigerating.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes—store components separately and assemble just before eating for the best texture and appearance.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just skip any sour cream or yogurt toppings, or use a dairy-free alternative.
What protein alternatives work well?
Grilled shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas all pair beautifully with the honey-lime flavor.
Conclusion
Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a deliciously fresh and vibrant meal that’s full of contrast—sweet, tangy, savory, and creamy. With wholesome ingredients and an eye-catching presentation, it’s the kind of dish that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make. Whether for dinner, lunch, or entertaining, this is a feel-good recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.
PrintHoney Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack
Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack is a fresh and vibrant layered dish featuring marinated grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and lime-seasoned rice, topped with zesty garnishes. It’s a naturally gluten-free meal that’s wholesome, colorful, and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (including marination)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or mashed
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (for avocado)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or mango
- Optional: 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt, for topping
- Optional: lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
In a bowl or resealable bag, combine lime juice, lime zest, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
- Grill or pan-sear the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden. Rest for a few minutes, then slice or dice.
- In a bowl, season the cooked rice with lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mash or dice avocado. Add lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Using a ring mold or small bowl, layer rice on the bottom, then the avocado, then sliced chicken. Press gently and remove mold.
- Top with optional garnishes such as diced tomatoes, red onion, sour cream, or herbs. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Use a food ring mold or small ramekin to easily shape the stack.
- Store components separately for meal prep and assemble just before serving.
- Avocado is best prepared fresh to avoid browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
