Some meals just hit every note—sweet, tangy, fresh, and satisfying. This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack does exactly that. Tender grilled chicken glazed with honey and lime sits on a bed of fluffy jasmine rice topped with creamy avocado salsa.
It’s wholesome, colorful, and full of bold flavor that feels like sunshine in a bowl. Whether you’re meal-prepping or just craving something bright and zesty, this recipe brings a burst of freshness to your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lime Chicken with Avocado Rice
A balance of sweet citrus, savory chicken, and buttery avocado makes this one unforgettable.
- Sweet honey and zesty lime bring irresistible flavor
- Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights
- Naturally gluten-free and full of protein
- Great for meal prep or quick lunches
- Layers beautifully for stunning presentation
- Fresh, wholesome ingredients that taste like summer
I first made this dish after a long workday when I wanted something quick but still restaurant-quality. My mom used to drizzle honey and lime over grilled chicken for her food truck plates, and I gave it a fresh spin by adding rice and avocado. The result? My wife called it “Texas sunshine in a stack,” and it stuck ever since.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients—just bright, bold flavors and a few pantry staples.
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – tender, lean protein
- ¼ cup honey – adds natural sweetness and caramelization
- Juice of 2 limes – fresh tang that balances the honey
- Zest of 1 lime – extra citrus aroma
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – boosts savory depth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – warm, earthy base
- Salt and pepper, to taste – enhances all the flavors
- 1 cup jasmine rice – fluffy base that soaks up the glaze
- 2 cups chicken broth – adds richness to the rice
- 1 avocado, diced – creamy and buttery topping
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped – crunchy, tangy accent
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped – bright freshness
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps sear and blend flavors
- Lime wedges, for serving – optional garnish
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Use brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for spice
- Swap cilantro with parsley for a milder taste
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan option
- Add mango or pineapple for a tropical twist
- Finish with a drizzle of yogurt sauce for creamy contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
The secret is letting that honey-lime glaze thicken on the chicken—caramelized edges, juicy center, pure magic.
- Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, whisk honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prep the rice. - Cook the Rice
Rinse jasmine rice under cold water. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan, add rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and rest for 5 minutes. - Make the Avocado Topping
In a bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss to coat. - Assemble the Stack
Scoop a layer of jasmine rice onto your plate, top with sliced honey lime chicken, then spoon the avocado mixture on top. Garnish with extra lime wedges and cilantro.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcook the chicken—keep it juicy.
- Always zest your lime before juicing it.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to seal in juices.
- Use warm rice—it helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Expert Tips for Success
This dish shines when sweet, tangy, and savory notes are perfectly balanced.
- Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of soy sauce to the glaze for umami depth.
- Grill the chicken outdoors for a smoky twist.
- Use ripe avocados for creamy texture.
- Stack in a ring mold for perfect presentation if serving guests.
If you love chicken with big, bright flavors, check out my Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl for another easy, family-favorite meal. You’ll also love Avocado Lime Chicken Noodles and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with Creamy Rotini for quick weeknight dinners that never miss.
Serving Suggestions
This stack is both filling and fresh—perfect for meal prep or a dinner party.
- Serve with roasted corn or grilled vegetables
- Add tortilla chips or plantain crisps for crunch
- Pair with black beans for extra protein
- Serve alongside Cajun Garlic Chicken Rotini for a Tex-Mex spread
- Top with microgreens or chili flakes for color
- Enjoy cold as a lunch bowl the next day
It’s colorful, satisfying, and perfect for both casual and elevated meals.
Storing and Reheating
This dish keeps great for meal prep and stays fresh for days.
How to Store It
- Store chicken, rice, and avocado topping separately
- Keep in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days
- Avoid freezing avocado—it changes texture
How to Reheat It
- Reheat chicken and rice gently in the microwave or skillet
- Add a splash of broth or lime juice to revive flavor
- Assemble fresh with avocado topping right before serving
This dish tastes just as vibrant the next day—especially when the honey-lime glaze settles into the rice.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 485
- Total Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Vitamin C: 30% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
Can I grill instead of pan-sear?
Absolutely—grilling adds smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with honey and lime.
What rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice for a fluffy, aromatic base.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is the kind of meal that brightens your day. It’s zesty, colorful, and comforting without being heavy—a perfect example of balance done right. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, it brings fresh, bold flavor every time.
- Marinate for flavor, not long hours
- Keep the avocado fresh and bright
- Serve warm, and let that honey-lime glaze shine
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the rice.
- Rinse jasmine rice under cold water. In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil, add rice and a pinch of salt, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, basting with leftover marinade until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F). Remove and rest for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine diced avocado, red onion, cilantro, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss to coat.
- Assemble stacks by scooping a layer of jasmine rice onto each plate, topping with sliced honey‑lime chicken, then spooning the avocado mixture on top. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- No pork or alcohol included. Naturally gluten‑free.
- Keep avocado mixture fresh and assemble right before serving to preserve texture.
