Sunlight spilled across my cutting board the first time I tasted a Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack. It was one of those hurried evenings when all I craved was something bright, nourishing, and uncomplicated. This dish became my midweek hero: tangy citrus, succulent chicken, buttery avocado, and perfectly fluffy rice layered into a stack that looks like a chef’s creation but eats like a comforting bowl. As you’ll see in the images (and optional quick-prep video), this stack is as gorgeous as it is flavorful.
Table of Contents
Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~520 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Pour in the honey-lime mixture and cook 2–3 minutes until it reduces into a glossy glaze.
- To assemble the stack, lightly pack 1/2 cup rice into a ring mold or small bowl.
- Layer diced avocado, red onion, and cilantro on top.
- Spoon honey lime chicken over the avocado layer and gently unmold.
- Garnish with extra lime wedges and serve immediately.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps
Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version, or substitute tofu for chicken to make this dish entirely plant-based. Brown rice offers a heartier, nuttier flavor. Gluten-free eaters can enjoy this recipe as is.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Sear chicken in batches for best browning.
- Use very ripe avocados for a creamy stack base.
- A ring mold ensures restaurant-style presentation every time.
Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Cook the chicken and rice up to two days ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers. Reheat chicken in a skillet to preserve its glaze. Assemble stacks only before serving to keep avocados fresh.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
- Stack collapses: Press each layer gently but firmly before unmolding.
- Chicken dries out: Don’t overcook aim for golden edges and a juicy center.
- Glaze too thin: Reduce an extra minute until syrupy.
Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions
This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack pairs beautifully with citrus-forward salads, charred vegetables, or a chilled fruit spritzer. Below are internal recipe ideas to complement your meal:
Pairing Recipes From Our Website

Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, fresh lime juice, lime zest, smoked paprika, chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Pour the honey-lime mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken.
- Meanwhile, make sure your jasmine or basmati rice is cooked and fluffed. In a bowl, gently toss the diced avocados with the chopped cilantro and red onion.
- To build each Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack, lightly pack about 1/2 cup of warm rice into a ring mold or small bowl placed on the serving plate.
- Layer a generous spoonful of the avocado, cilantro, and red onion mixture on top of the rice, pressing gently to keep the stack compact.
- Spoon the hot honey lime chicken over the avocado layer. Carefully lift the mold straight up to reveal the stacked layers.
- Repeat with remaining ingredients to create 4 stacks. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use leftover chicken? Yes! just warm it with the honey lime sauce.
- Is this recipe kid-friendly? Absolutely; reduce chili flakes if needed.
- Can I meal prep this? Yes! store components separately.
- Can I use bottled lime juice? Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- What rice works best? Jasmine or basmati for fluffiness.
- Do I need a ring mold? No! a small bowl works fine as a shaping tool.

Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding family or crafting a quick solo dinner, this Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack brings brightness, balance, and bold flavor. Try it tonight and savor a dish that tastes like sunshine in every bite.