HONEY LIME CHICKEN & AVOCADO CILANTRO RICE STACK
A fresh, layered dish with sweet-tangy chicken, fluffy cilantro rice, and creamy avocado. Perfect for meal prep or an impressive dinner plate.
Ingredients (serves 4)
Honey Lime Chicken
-
1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
-
3 tablespoons honey
-
Zest of 1 lime
-
¼ cup fresh lime juice
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon chili powder
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
½ teaspoon cumin
-
¾ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cilantro Lime Rice
-
1½ cups long-grain white rice (or jasmine)
-
3 cups water or chicken broth
-
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
-
Zest of 1 lime
-
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Avocado Layer
-
2 ripe avocados
-
1 tablespoon lime juice
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
-
Optional: 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
Optional Garnishes
-
Extra cilantro
-
Lime wedges
-
Chili flakes
-
Sour cream or Greek yogurt drizzle
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk honey, lime zest, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours refrigerated).
2. Cook the Rice
-
Rinse rice until water runs clear.
-
Bring water/broth to a boil, add rice and salt.
-
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and rest 5 minutes.
-
Fluff with fork, then stir in olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.
3. Cook the Chicken
Skillet method (recommended):
-
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil.
-
Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until caramelized and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
-
Rest 5 minutes, then slice or cube.
(Grill or bake at 400°F / 205°C for 18–22 minutes also works.)
4. Prepare Avocado Layer
Mash avocados with lime juice, salt, cilantro, and optional red onion.
Leave slightly chunky.
5. Assemble the Stack
Use a ring mold or small bowl:
-
Bottom: Cilantro lime rice
-
Middle: Honey lime chicken
-
Top: Avocado mixture
Gently lift mold and garnish as desired.
Storage & Meal Prep
-
Store components separately for up to 4 days
-
Assemble fresh for best texture
Variations
-
Spicy: Add chipotle powder or jalapeño
-
Low-carb: Swap rice for cilantro cauliflower rice
-
Protein swap: Use shrimp or salmon
If you want, I can also give you a meal-prep version, keto version, or sauce drizzle idea to finish it perfectly. 🍯🍋🍗🥑

