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This tangy honey lime chicken stack brings layers of bright, fresh flavors together with tender grilled chicken, fluffy jasmine rice, and creamy avocado salsa. It’s a vibrant dish that feels special yet is easy enough for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend lunch. The balance of sweet honey, zesty lime, and earthy cumin creates an unforgettable glaze that keeps this recipe on constant repeat in my kitchen.
I first tried this after a long afternoon in the garden and it was the perfect refreshing reward. My kids now request it regularly and always fight over the creamy avocado topping.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless skinless pieces for even grilling and easy serving. Look for firm pink chicken for freshness
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken edges. Local wildflower honey brings a richer flavor
- Lime juice and zest: Brings sharp tang and fragrance. Always use fresh limes for best zing and aroma
- Garlic: Provides a savory backbone in the marinade. Fresh minced garlic offers the strongest flavor
- Ground cumin: Gives a subtle earthy warmth that balances the sweetness of honey
- Salt and pepper: Use flaky salt for bursts of flavor and freshly ground black pepper for best aroma
- Jasmine or basmati rice: Creates a fragrant and fluffy base. Choose long grain for ideal texture
- Chicken broth: Cooking rice in broth adds depth and a savory note to every bite. Low sodium is best for better control
- Avocado: Creamy and rich for contrast. Select avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when ripe
- Red onion: Tiny dice adds gentle bite and a pop of color
- Fresh cilantro: Offers a bright herbaceous pop. Choose perky vibrant leaves for best flavor
- Olive oil: Helps carry flavors and adds silkiness to the avocado mixture
- Lime wedges: For a finishing squeeze. Pick limes with shiny thin skin to maximize juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate The Chicken:
- Combine honey lime juice lime zest minced garlic ground cumin salt and freshly ground pepper in a bowl. Whisk until the mixture is thoroughly blended and glossy. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken making sure to coat every surface. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes ideally up to two hours. This step makes the chicken juicy and infuses it with tangy flavor
- Cook The Rice:
- Rinse jasmine or basmati rice under cold water while swirling gently until the water runs clear. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a medium pot. Stir in rice then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer gently for about fifteen minutes then remove from heat but keep covered to steam for another five minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving to achieve light fluffy rice
- Grill The Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium high until very hot about five minutes. Place marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook each side for six to seven minutes letting the glaze lightly char. Turn only once using tongs to get nice grill marks. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and juices run clear. Remove from heat and rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep juiciness
- Prepare The Avocado Mix:
- Gently dice avocado and place in a bowl with finely chopped red onion and fresh cilantro. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Fold gently with a fork keeping the avocado fairly chunky. You want bright pieces of avocado rather than creamy guacamole
- Build The Stack:
- Spoon a fluffy mound of cooked rice on each plate. Slice the grilled chicken across the grain and layer it over the rice. Top with a generous helping of the avocado mixture. Serve with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the stack. Now enjoy the look and the flavors of a beautiful meal
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The avocado mix is my absolute favorite. I remember my daughter sneaking spoonfuls before dinner was even served the very first time and now it is a must-have every time we make this dish. The contrast of creamy cool avocado on warm chicken and fluffy rice feels just right.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers separately in airtight containers keeping chicken rice and avocado mix apart for best texture and flavor. Chicken and rice will keep well for up to three days in the refrigerator. The avocado mix is best eaten the same day but adding some lime juice can keep it fresh for a few hours. Reheat chicken and rice before serving while adding the avocado right before eating to prevent browning.
Ingredient Substitutions
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra tenderness and a richer flavor. Short grain rice also works in a pinch though the stack may be less fluffy. If cilantro is not available try fresh mint or flat leaf parsley. Lemon juice can replace lime juice although fresh lime gives the best bright pop to this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This stack pairs beautifully with extra lime wedges for squeezing and a crisp green salad or grilled corn on the side. For some heat add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce on the grilled chicken or mix diced jalapeño into the avocado. Small stacks make festive appetizers at parties especially when topped with microgreens for a fancy touch.
Pro Tips
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes after grilling before slicing to keep it juicy
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to avoid gummy texture
- Add a pinch of salt to the avocado mix for a lively contrast
- Make extra avocado mix for snacking or serving as a dip
- Use a ring mold when stacking to get a restaurant quality presentation with very little effort
Bright fresh and satisfying this meal always has us coming back for seconds. Next time double it for your summer gatherings everyone will thank you.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How long should the chicken marinate?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to let the honey lime mixture infuse flavor, with up to 2 hours ideal for deeper taste and tenderness.
- → What rice works best for this dish?
Long grain jasmine or basmati rice provides a fluffy, fragrant base, especially when cooked in chicken broth for added depth.
- → Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes, the chicken can marinate ahead and the rice can be cooked in advance. Keep the avocado mixture separate until serving for freshness.
- → How do I keep the avocado mix bright?
Toss diced avocado with lime juice just before serving to prevent browning and maintain its fresh color.
- → Any tips for grilling the chicken evenly?
Cook over medium-high heat, turning once for nice grill marks, and rest the chicken after cooking to retain juiciness.