Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Enjoy layers of flavor starting with grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime mixture. The chicken is sliced and stacked on a bed of fluffy rice, then topped with creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and diced red onions. A touch of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds coolness, while chili flakes offer optional heat. This vibrant combination boasts color and freshness in every bite, making it perfect for a quick meal or an impressive table centerpiece. Customize with shrimp or tofu for variety, and savor how the lime and honey bring balance to each ingredient.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 28 Jul 2025 13:47:02 GMT
A plate of food with rice, chicken, and avocado. Save
A plate of food with rice, chicken, and avocado. | lilicooks.com

This Honey Lime Chicken and Avocado Rice Stack brings together bright citrus flavors, juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice for a satisfying weeknight meal. The simple marinade infuses the chicken with zesty, tangy sweetness, pairing perfectly with the cool creaminess of avocado and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

I whipped this up on a whim after coming home late from work, and now it is my go-to way to impress friends or keep the family happy without fuss. Even my pickiest eater asks for seconds.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Fresh chicken will stay juicier and pick up the marinade best
  • Fresh limes for juice and zest: Look for limes that yield slightly to a squeeze and have a glossy skin
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin if possible for more flavor and richness
  • Garlic minced: Freshly minced gives the sharpest kick
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Opt for sea salt and fresh ground pepper for clean flavor
  • Chili flakes optional for gentle heat: Pick a brand you love or skip if heat is not your thing
  • Cooked white or brown rice: Leftover rice works great and gives this dish a hearty base
  • Fresh avocado diced: Ripe but still firm avocados give you the best creamy dice
  • Lime juice for avocado: Keeps it bright and stops browning
  • Chopped cilantro: Adds freshness and classic flavor Try flat-leaf parsley if you are not a cilantro fan
  • Diced red onion: For tangy crunch Choose mild red onions with bright skin
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt for topping optional: Adds coolness and balances flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Whisk together the lime juice and zest with honey olive oil and minced garlic in a mixing bowl
Season the marinade with salt pepper and chili flakes then add the chicken Make sure every piece is coated well Let sit for at least 15 minutes for best flavor
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high until hot Cook the chicken for about eight minutes on each side until deeply golden and cooked through The surface should caramelize from the honey and marinade
Rest and Slice:
Let the chicken rest off the heat for a few minutes before slicing This keeps the juices in the meat and makes for tender slices
Prepare the Avocado Topping:
Dice a ripe avocado and gently toss with lime juice Set aside so it stays bright and creamy while you prep the rest
Plate and Stack:
Spoon fluffy white or brown rice into each serving bowl Top with sliced chicken then heap on avocado Sprinkled with chopped cilantro and diced red onion A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt finishes each bowl if desired
A stack of rice with chicken and avocado on top. Save
A stack of rice with chicken and avocado on top. | lilicooks.com

The fresh lime zest is my secret weapon as it gives a huge pop of citrus and always gets people asking what makes the chicken so bright. When I made this for my family’s summer picnic everyone wanted the recipe and not a single bite was left over.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the toppings like avocado and cilantro separate and add them fresh right before serving to keep things vibrant. This makes a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or tofu if desired. Quinoa or cauliflower rice works in place of white or brown rice for a lighter option. Greek yogurt is my favorite for the topping but dairy-free options work just as well.

A stack of chicken, avocado, and rice with a honey lime sauce. Save
A stack of chicken, avocado, and rice with a honey lime sauce. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve this stack as a hearty main or as part of a summer brunch. I love to pair it with a simple green salad or roasted corn for extra color and crunch. It also makes fun deconstructed taco bowls if you have any leftovers.

Cultural Context

This dish brings together the flavors of Latin American street food with a modern American twist. The honey lime marinade is inspired by classic Mexican citrus marinades while the rice and avocado topping is a nod to California’s vibrant bowl culture.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve juicy grilled chicken?

Marinate chicken in a honey-lime mixture for at least 15 minutes and cook over medium-high heat until just done, letting it rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.

→ Can you substitute white rice with another base?

Yes, try brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different flavors or to suit dietary preferences.

→ How do you keep avocado fresh and green?

Toss diced avocado with lime juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor before adding it to the stack.

→ What toppings pair well with this dish?

Fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt complement the dish's creamy and tangy notes.

→ Can this be prepared ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! Keep components separate until serving to preserve freshness, especially for the avocado and herbs.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice

Tender chicken with honey-lime on rice, topped with avocado, cilantro, and onion for bright flavors in every bite.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Marinade

02 Juice and zest of 2 limes
03 2 tablespoons honey
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 Salt, to taste
07 Pepper, to taste
08 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

→ Rice

09 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

→ Toppings

10 1 avocado, diced
11 1 tablespoon lime juice (for avocado)
12 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
13 1/4 cup diced red onion
14 Sour cream or Greek yogurt, optional (to taste)

Steps

Step 01

In a bowl, combine lime juice, zest, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Add the chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 02

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 7–8 minutes per side, until fully cooked.

Step 03

Dice the avocado and toss with lime juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Step 04

Slice the cooked chicken. In serving bowls, layer the cooked rice, sliced chicken, avocado, cilantro, and red onion.

Step 05

Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips

  1. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. This dish can be easily customized with shrimp or tofu for variety.
  3. Ideal for meal prep—store components separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

Required Tools

  • Mixing bowl
  • Grill pan or skillet

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~