Save Bring a burst of vibrant color and zest to your dinner table with the Tangy Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack. This dish is a perfect harmony of juicy grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy glaze, served over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice and finished with a refreshing avocado-cilantro salsa. It is a true showstopper that offers a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in every mouthful.
Save While the recipe yields professional results, the preparation is straightforward. By allowing the chicken to marinate, you ensure every slice is packed with citrus and honey notes, while the assembly creates a beautiful, layered presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 3 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 tablespoon lime zest, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, Salt to taste, Pepper to taste
- For the Rice: 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, 2 cups chicken broth
- For the Avocado Mix: 2 ripe avocados, diced, 1 small red onion, finely chopped, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For Serving: 4 lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- 2. Marinate the Chicken
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for 2 hours (minimum 30 minutes if short on time).
- 3. Cook the Rice
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- 4. Grill the Chicken
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.
- 5. Prepare the Avocado Mix
- In a bowl, gently combine diced avocado, chopped red onion, cilantro, and olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- 6. Assemble the Stack
- On each plate, layer a portion of rice, top with grilled chicken slices, and spoon over the avocado mix.
- 7. Garnish and Serve
- Finish each stack with a lime wedge. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the avocado mix or marinade. You can also substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat if preferred.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Make it dairy-free by ensuring the chicken broth is dairy-free. Always verify ingredient labels if you have food allergies or specific dietary requirements.
Serviervorschläge
Finish each stack with a fresh lime wedge for an extra hit of citrus. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Mexican lager.
Save This Tangy Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a nutritious and satisfying meal that brings a taste of summer to your plate. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a refreshing lunch or a standout dinner.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. If you're short on time, 30 minutes will still infuse good flavor, but longer marinating creates more tender, citrus-infused meat.
- → Can I cook this on a stove instead?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- → What rice works best for this dish?
Jasmine rice is ideal for its floral aroma that complements the citrus. Basmati also works beautifully. Both grains stay fluffy and absorb flavors well when cooked in chicken broth.
- → How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Dice the avocado just before serving and toss immediately with lime juice from the marinade. The citrus acid helps prevent oxidation and keeps the mix bright green.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
Yes. Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Cook rice ahead and reheat gently. However, prepare the avocado mix fresh just before serving to maintain texture and color.
- → What sides pair well with this stack?
Grilled vegetables, black beans, or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette complement the bright flavors. The dish is substantial enough to stand alone as a complete meal.