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This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a colorful, nourishing, and flavor-packed dish made by layering zesty honey lime-marinated chicken over fluffy cilantro-lime rice, topped with fresh avocado. This Zesty Layered Meal balances savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors in a stunning stack that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Why You’ll Love Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack

This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a standout Zesty Layered Meal:

Flavor Explosion: Sweet honey, tangy lime, and savory chicken shine.
Fresh & Wholesome: Creamy avocado and herbs add healthy richness.
Quick & Easy: Ideal for busy dinners or meal prep.
Customizable: Swap grains or add toppings to suit your taste.
I served this at a summer dinner, and it was the ultimate Zesty Layered Meal hit!

Ingredients for Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack

Here’s what you’ll need for Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack (serves 4):

Honey Lime Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Cilantro Lime Rice:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¼ tsp salt
Avocado Layer:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Lime wedges
- Extra cilantro
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Fresh or fully thawed for even marination.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightest flavor.
Avocado: Choose ripe but firm to hold shape.
Rice: Jasmine or basmati for fluffy texture.
Equipment: Grill or skillet, mixing bowls, saucepan, tongs.

Directions for Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack

Let’s create this vibrant Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack!

Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, I whisk ¼ cup honey, ¼ cup lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
I add 4 chicken breasts, coating well, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Cook Rice

I cook 2 cups jasmine or basmati rice per package instructions.
Once fluffy, I stir in 2 tbsp lime juice, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, and ¼ tsp salt for the base of this Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack.

Prepare Avocado

In a small bowl, I toss 2 diced avocados with 1 tbsp lime juice, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to keep them fresh and flavorful.

Cook Chicken

I heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
I cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
I let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Assemble Stack

On each plate, I layer ½ cup cilantro lime rice, top with sliced chicken, and spoon on avocado.
I garnish with cherry tomatoes, jalapeño slices, lime wedges, cilantro, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a stunning Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4
Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
Macros per Serving: 55g carbs, 30g protein, 20g fat, 6g fiber

Variations for Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack

Protein Swap: Use shrimp or firm tofu instead of chicken.
Grain Swap: Replace rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
Spicy Kick: Add hot sauce or ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Extra Veggies: Mix in grilled corn or diced bell peppers.
Bowl Style: Serve as a burrito bowl instead of a stack.

Storage

I store components of Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
I reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to rice if dry.
I prep avocado fresh to avoid browning.
For freezing, I store cooked chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing in the fridge before reheating.

Serving Ideas

Make your Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack a star Zesty Layered Meal:

Classic: Serve as a Zesty Layered Meal with a side of tortilla chips.
Garnish: Add black beans or tortilla strips for crunch.
Pairing: Enjoy with a mango smoothie or sparkling water with lime.
Presentation: Use a ring mold for a restaurant-style stack.
Occasion: Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer parties.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken and cook the rice ahead; assemble just before serving for best texture.

Can I bake the chicken?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.

What rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice for their fluffiness and mild flavor.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Toss with lime juice and cover tightly with plastic wrap touching the surface.

Is this meal spicy?
It has mild heat from chili powder; adjust spices to your taste.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw completely before marinating for even flavor.

What other toppings go well?
Try black beans, corn, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips.

Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein, healthy fats, and fresh herbs, with no processed ingredients.

Can I make it dairy-free?
It’s naturally dairy-free unless you add optional sour cream or cheese.

Can I grill the chicken?
Yes, grilling adds smoky flavor and is highly recommended.

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Conclusion

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a simple yet stunning dish full of bright, fresh flavor and satisfying texture. With sweet-spicy chicken, creamy avocado, and fragrant cilantro-lime rice, this Zesty Layered Meal is perfect for dinner, meal prep, or entertaining. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a staple.