Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe
Introduction
This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant and fresh dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. Combining sweet and tangy flavors with creamy avocado and crunchy tortilla chips, it’s a delightful mix that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 limes, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn (canned or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled tortilla chips
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 2: Add the diced chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
- Step 3: Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix the cooked rice with mashed avocado, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt until creamy. Set this avocado rice mixture aside.
- Step 5: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Step 6: To assemble, place a generous layer of avocado rice on a plate or in a bowl, then top with the honey lime chicken.
- Step 7: Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, corn, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of crumbled tortilla chips for crunch.
- Step 8: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Use jasmine or basmati rice to add aroma and elevate the dish.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime on top just before serving for an extra tangy kick.
- Swap tortilla chips with toasted nuts or seeds for a different crunch.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. To maintain crunchiness, add tortilla chips just before serving rather than storing them with the dish.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add more juiciness. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat carefully. Avoid freezing the avocado mixture as it may change texture.
PrintHoney Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe
This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish that combines tender honey-lime marinated chicken with creamy avocado-infused rice, topped with fresh veggies and crunchy tortilla chips. Perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal, this recipe balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it a delightful family-friendly dinner served warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 limes, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice & Avocado Mixture
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 lime, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Toppings
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup corn (canned or frozen)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled tortilla chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors; marinating for up to 30 minutes will yield even better taste.
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, cook the white rice as per the package instructions. Once done, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
- Make the Avocado Rice: In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice, mashed avocado, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until creamy and well blended, then set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Assemble the Stack: On a plate or in a bowl, spread a generous layer of the avocado rice mixture. Top this with the cooked honey lime chicken.
- Add Toppings: Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, corn, chopped cilantro, and sprinkle crumbled tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm and fresh to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes if possible.
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest avocado rice mixture.
- Jasmine or basmati rice adds aroma and texture but any white rice works well.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your personal taste preference.
- Corn can be fresh, canned, or frozen; just ensure it is thawed before use.
- To make the dish gluten-free, verify tortilla chips are made without wheat.
- Leftovers can be stored separately for best texture retention.
Keywords: Honey Lime Chicken, Avocado Rice, Healthy Dinner, Gluten-Free Chicken Recipe, Chicken and Rice Stack, Fresh Lime Chicken, Avocado Recipes
