Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice (Printable)
Zesty honey lime chicken paired with creamy avocado rice for a bright, satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 tablespoons honey
03 - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
04 - 2 teaspoons lime zest
05 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
→ Avocado Rice
10 - 1½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
11 - 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
12 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
13 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
16 - ½ teaspoon salt
17 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
18 - Extra lime wedges
19 - Thinly sliced green onions
20 - Fresh cilantro leaves
# Directions:
01 - In a bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Add chicken breasts, coat thoroughly, cover, and marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor infusion).
02 - Prepare rice according to package instructions using water or chicken broth for enhanced flavor. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before combining with other ingredients.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior is golden brown. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
04 - In a large bowl, gently fold together cooked rice, diced avocados, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix carefully to maintain avocado texture without mashing.
05 - Arrange sliced honey lime chicken over the avocado rice mixture. Garnish with fresh lime wedges, sliced green onions, or additional cilantro leaves as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade does double duty, tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with flavor
- Creamy avocado rice turns a simple side into something you will crave on its own
02 -
- Let the chicken rest after cooking or all those juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in the meat
- Handle the avocado rice gently once the avocados are in, or you will end up with guacamole instead of rice
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding to the marinade so it actually sticks instead of rolling right off
- A cast iron skillet gives you the best caramelization, but any heavy pan will work if you let it get properly hot first