Honey Lime Chicken With Avocado Rice (Printable)
Tender honey lime chicken over creamy avocado rice with fresh herbs
# 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
# How-To Steps:
01 - Whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
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. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken develops golden coloration. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
04 - In a large bowl, gently combine cooked rice, diced avocados, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Fold carefully to incorporate ingredients while maintaining avocado texture.
05 - Arrange sliced honey lime chicken over portions of avocado rice. Garnish with lime wedges, green onions, or fresh cilantro as desired. Serve immediately while chicken is warm and rice remains creamy.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in minutes but tastes like something you labored over
- That creamy avocado rice turns an ordinary weeknight into something restaurant-worthy
02 -
- The avocado will brown if the rice is too hot when you mix it in, so let that rice cool for a few minutes first
- Dont skip resting the chicken after cooking, those juices need time to redistribute or you will end up with dry meat
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding to the marinade for better adhesion and more even cooking
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly, so take it out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking