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This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is a vibrant, zesty, and comforting dinner recipe that layers juicy marinated chicken with creamy avocado and fragrant jasmine rice. The lime-honey glaze delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, while fresh cilantro and lime zest add brightness to every bite. Perfect for meal prep, casual dinners, or a fresh twist on rice bowls!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil (plus 1 tbsp for rice)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 cup jasmine rice
2 cups water
1 avocado
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp lime zest

Directions

Prep the Chicken: Trim and clean chicken breasts for even cooking.
Marinate: In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to a dish or bag, coat with marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup jasmine rice and 2 cups water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Let steam off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
Prepare Avocado & Garnish: Slice avocado. In a small bowl, mix chopped cilantro and lime zest.
Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
Assemble Stack: On each plate, layer rice as the base, followed by sliced avocado, then the sliced chicken.
Finish & Serve: Sprinkle with cilantro-lime zest mixture and serve immediately.

Nutrients (approximate per serving, based on 2 servings)

Calories: ~450 kcal
Protein: ~28g
Carbohydrates: ~32g
Fat: ~23g
Sugar: ~6g
Fiber: ~5g
Sodium: ~400mg

A Flavorful Marinade That Makes the Chicken Shine

The star of this recipe is the honey lime marinated chicken, which brings a zesty, slightly smoky, and subtly sweet flavor to the dish. The marinade includes a thoughtful mix of ingredients: honey for sweetness and caramelization, lime juice for brightness and acidity, and a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to add warmth and depth. This spice blend infuses the chicken with a bold flavor that shines through after searing, especially when cooked until golden and slightly crisp on the outside.

The olive oil in the marinade also plays a key role, helping to keep the chicken juicy while carrying the fat-soluble flavors from the spices. Marinating for at least 30 minutes (or up to two hours) allows the ingredients to deeply penetrate the chicken, making each bite both tender and flavor-rich. When cooked to perfection in a skillet, the exterior develops a light crust while the interior remains juicy and aromatic—a must for any rice bowl centerpiece.

Jasmine Rice: Fragrant, Fluffy, and the Perfect Base

Jasmine rice is more than just a filler in this stack—it’s an essential part of the flavor and texture profile. Known for its naturally floral aroma and slightly sticky texture, jasmine rice complements the citrusy marinade and creamy avocado beautifully. The rice is cooked simply with water and a touch of olive oil, then steamed to preserve its fluffiness and soft bite.

As a base layer, jasmine rice anchors the dish and balances the bolder flavors of the chicken and the richness of the avocado. The rice also acts as a natural absorber for the juices from the chicken and the freshness of the lime-cilantro topping, ensuring no flavor is left behind on the plate.

For those looking to change things up, the rice can be swapped for quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Avocado: The Creamy Cooling Layer

The inclusion of ripe avocado slices adds a silky, luxurious texture that cools and complements the warmth of the spices and lime. Its mild flavor acts as a perfect bridge between the citrusy glaze of the chicken and the fragrant rice beneath. Avocado also adds healthy fats and fiber, making the dish more satiating without feeling heavy.

Sliced just before serving to preserve its color and texture, avocado is best when slightly firm yet ripe, allowing it to maintain structure in the stack. It provides a cooling element that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding color contrast and richness in every bite.

Fresh Garnishes for a Bright Finish

The final touch of chopped fresh cilantro and lime zest brings everything together with a punch of freshness. Cilantro offers a clean, herbaceous lift that enhances the citrusy tones of the marinade, while lime zest adds an aromatic brightness without introducing more liquid. Sprinkled over the top, this garnish doesn’t just look beautiful—it also intensifies the flavors of the entire dish.

If desired, a final squeeze of lime juice right before serving can enhance the zesty notes and add a refreshing tang to cut through the richness of the avocado and chicken.

A Beautiful and Balanced Stack Presentation

The layered presentation of this dish—rice on the bottom, avocado in the middle, and sliced chicken on top—makes it feel more elevated than a typical bowl. It’s the kind of meal that looks restaurant-worthy while being simple enough to assemble in a home kitchen. Whether plated in neat stacks for guests or served deconstructed in bowls for a quick family dinner, the components come together seamlessly.

The stack format also allows for variations and substitutions, depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. You can include sliced cucumbers, a fried egg, grilled corn, or black beans for added color and nutrition. It’s a format that invites creativity and flexibility, while still being cohesive and balanced.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Weeknight Dinners

Beyond its fresh flavors and appealing presentation, this dish is also incredibly functional. It stores well, reheats beautifully, and maintains its structure and taste when made ahead. For meal prepping, simply keep each component separate in containers—reheat the rice and chicken when ready to eat, and add fresh avocado and garnishes just before serving.

With its high protein content from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and complex carbs from the rice, this dish provides lasting energy and satisfaction. It’s well-balanced, nutrient-dense, and ideal for those looking to maintain a wholesome, home-cooked routine without spending hours in the kitchen.

Nutritional Balance in Every Bite

Each serving of this Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack provides approximately 450 calories—a moderate and balanced portion that includes about 28 grams of protein, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 23 grams of fat. The protein helps support muscle and satiety, while the complex carbs from jasmine rice offer steady energy.

The fats from olive oil and avocado are heart-healthy and nutrient-rich, while the dish remains relatively low in sugar and sodium compared to many takeout alternatives. It’s a wholesome option that delivers big on flavor without compromising on nutrition. Plus, with about 5 grams of fiber per serving, it supports digestive health and helps keep you full longer.

Conclusion

The Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is everything a modern dinner should be—vibrant, nourishing, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. It takes familiar ingredients and elevates them with a few clever techniques and bold flavors, resulting in a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing. The sweet and tangy marinade, the rich and creamy avocado, the fragrant jasmine rice, and the bright herbal garnish come together in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, preparing lunches for the week, or hosting friends for a casual meal, this recipe offers a fresh take on classic ingredients. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that satisfies without feeling heavy—a perfect reflection of what great home cooking can be. With one bite of this zesty, stacked delight, you’ll understand why it deserves a regular spot on your meal plan.