Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice (Printable)
Zesty honey-lime chicken over fluffy rice with fresh avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp honey
04 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
05 - 1 tsp lime zest
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tsp chili powder
08 - ½ tsp ground cumin
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Rice Base
11 - 1 cup long-grain white rice
12 - 2 cups water or chicken broth
13 - ½ tsp salt
→ Bowl Toppings
14 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
15 - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
17 - ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
18 - Lime wedges, for serving
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, honey, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Add chicken and turn to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours refrigerated for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Combine rice, water or broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside, keeping warm.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
04 - Divide cooked rice evenly among four bowls. Arrange sliced chicken, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro on top of each portion. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.
05 - For additional brightness, drizzle bowls with extra honey and lime juice mixture before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The honey lime caramelization creates those restaurant quality char marks without any fancy technique
- Everything comes together in under 45 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
02 -
- Don't skip resting the chicken, those juices need to redistribute or you'll end up with dry meat
- The honey can burn quickly, so keep your heat at medium high and watch closely
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding to the marinade, it helps the flavors penetrate better
- Don't move the chicken around in the pan, let it develop that gorgeous caramelized crust