Too hot to turn on the oven for hours? This honey lime chicken rice stack is the perfect solution for you.
It is bright, filling, and so easy to make on a warm evening. This dish delivers a fresh, high-protein meal that the whole family will love. It is a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy reset this summer.
Why This Honey Lime Chicken Rice Stack Is a Winner
You deserve a meal that makes you feel good and energized. This recipe is packed with lean protein and healthy, creamy fats from the avocado. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal but costs much less. You will love how the sweet honey and zesty lime pair together.
This dish is a winner for busy weeks and meal prep. It is balanced and nutritious for everyone at your table. You can even use leftover rice to make it even faster. Your family will actually look forward to eating these leftovers the next day.
Simple Method for Success
Making this stack is much easier than it looks to the eye. You simply cook the chicken and toss the rice with fresh herbs. The magic happens during the fun assembly and layering part. Even if you are a beginner, you can master this easily. It is simple, stress-free, and very rewarding to plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are already in your pantry or fridge. Use fresh seasonal produce for the best flavor possible.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 large avocados, diced
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the glaze.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the honey-lime glaze over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- In a separate bowl, toss the cooked jasmine rice with cilantro and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
- To assemble, lightly grease a 1-cup measuring cup or circular food mold.
- Pack 3/4 cup of rice into the bottom of the mold, followed by a layer of diced avocado, and then a layer of the glazed chicken.
- Carefully invert the mold onto a plate or storage container and tap gently to release the stack.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Presentation makes every meal feel special for your family. Slide your honey lime chicken rice stack onto a clean white plate. The bright colors will really stand out and look amazing. Squeeze a little extra lime over the top for extra citrus zing. You can add a drizzle of sriracha if you like heat.
Serve it with a side of crunchy slaw or mango. Sit outside and enjoy the summer breeze while you eat. This meal is a refreshing treat for any busy day. It is perfect for a healthy reset after a long weekend.
Keep It Fresh
Meal prepping saves you so much time during the week. These stacks hold up well in the fridge for three days. Use a container that fits the stack snugly to keep shape. This helps the layers stay beautiful and intact. You can also store the components separately if you prefer.
The lime juice helps keep the avocado from turning brown. It is ideal for busy work lunches on the go. Simply reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave. You will have a delicious, fresh meal ready in seconds. It is a lifesaver for busy families.
Tips for Best Results
- Grease your measuring cup with a little olive oil.
- Press the rice down firmly with a large spoon.
- This creates a strong base for your stack.
- Use cold rice for a much tighter structure.
- Cut your chicken into very small, even cubes.
- This ensures flavor in every single bite you take.
- Don’t skip the fresh cilantro in the rice layer.
- Use a very ripe avocado for a creamy texture.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use quinoa instead of rice for more fiber.
- Add diced mango for a sweet tropical twist.
- Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for some heat.
- Try brown rice for a nuttier, hearty flavor.
Common Questions
How do I keep the avocado green?
The lime juice in the recipe helps a lot. You can also press plastic wrap against the layer. This prevents air from touching the avocado surface directly.
Can I make this without a mold?
Yes, a simple 1-cup measuring cup works perfectly fine. Just be sure to grease it lightly first. This helps the honey lime chicken rice stack slide out.
I hope you enjoy this fresh and vibrant meal. It brings so much joy and color to my kitchen. Happy cooking and enjoy every single bite!
— Katie Wood
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 large avocados , diced
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp hone y
- 1 tbsp low -sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 0.5 tsp sal t
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic to create the glaze.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Pour the honey-lime glaze over the chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
- In a separate bowl, toss the cooked jasmine rice with cilantro and the remaining 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
- To assemble, lightly grease a 1-cup measuring cup or circular food mold.
- Pack 3/4 cup of rice into the bottom of the mold, followed by a layer of diced avocado, and then a layer of the glazed chicken.
- Carefully invert the mold onto a plate or storage container and tap gently to release the stack.
