Tangy Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack That Delights
When it comes to a delicious and satisfying meal, the Tangy Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack delivers on all fronts. This dish features succulent chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of honey and lime, paired with creamy avocado and fluffy rice. It’s a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering when you’re looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you experience the vibrant flavors and textures of this stack, it will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
So, why should you give this recipe a go? For starters, the balance of sweet and tangy from the honey and lime makes each bite a flavor explosion. It’s not only quick to prepare—taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish—but it’s also budget-friendly. The fresh ingredients make it feel indulgent while being accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or a relaxed family brunch, this recipe is your answer.
“I made this for dinner last night, and my entire family couldn’t stop raving about it! The chicken was so tender, and the avocado rice was a game-changer!”
Preparing Tangy Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack That Delights
Making this dish is as easy as 1-2-3! Begin by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor, while you prepare the perfectly cooked rice. As the rice cooks, you can whip up the avocado mixture, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful stack to serve. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to achieve this delightful dish.
What You’ll Need
To make this tasty stack, gather these ingredients:
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 3 tablespoons Honey (for marinade)
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Lime Zest
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice (or basmati)
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 2 pieces Avocado (diced)
- 1 small Red Onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 pieces Lime Wedges (for garnish)
Feel free to swap jasmine rice for basmati or use a different protein if you desire.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the mixture, coating them well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Add in the jasmine rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed.
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Prepare the Avocado Mixture: In a bowl, combine the diced avocados, chopped red onion, cilantro, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
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Cook the Chicken: After marinating, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
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Assemble the Stack: Fluff the rice and place a generous scoop on the plate. Slice the chicken and layer it on top of the rice, followed by the avocado mixture. Garnish with lime wedges.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving, keep it simple yet elegant. The fluffy rice and the colorful avocado mix create a visually appealing dish that speaks volumes with its presentation. Add a side green salad for some crunch or serve it with tortilla chips for a fun twist. A cold drink, such as iced tea or a refreshing limeade, complements this meal perfectly.
How to Store & Freeze
To ensure you can enjoy this delightful dish later, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken without the avocado. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave. Always remember to reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Marinating Time: Even a short marinating time helps with flavor. If possible, marinate longer for an even more intense taste.
- Cooking Chicken: Ensure the chicken is evenly cooked by pounding it to an equal thickness before marinating.
- Avocado Tip: To keep avocados from browning, add a bit of lime juice immediately after dicing.
Creative Twists
Interested in experimenting? Try adding some diced tomatoes or corn to the avocado mix for added texture or substitute quinoa for rice for a protein boost. For a spicier kick, include jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha.
Common Questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, plus 15 minutes for marinating.
Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, but ensure they’re fully thawed before marinating and cooking for even cooking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any chicken broth or sauces for hidden gluten.
Enjoy creating this delightful Tangy Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack. Its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation will make your next meal one to remember!
Tangy Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 3 tablespoons Honey for marinade
- 2 tablespoons Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon Lime Zest
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- Salt and Pepper to taste Salt and Pepper
- 4 pieces Chicken Breasts boneless, skinless
For the Rice
- 1 cup Jasmine Rice or basmati
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
For the Avocado Mixture
- 2 pieces Avocado diced
- 1 small Red Onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
Garnish
- 4 pieces Lime Wedges for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in the mixture, coating them well. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Cooking the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
- Add in the jasmine rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed.
Preparing the Avocado Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the diced avocados, chopped red onion, cilantro, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Cooking the Chicken
- After marinating, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Remove from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Assembling the Stack
- Fluff the rice and place a generous scoop on the plate.
- Slice the chicken and layer it on top of the rice, followed by the avocado mixture.
- Garnish with lime wedges.
