Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 tablespoons lime juice - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice - 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth) - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for serving The main ingredients create a tasty balance of sweet and sour. The honey adds sweetness, while lime juice brings acidity. Garlic, cumin, and chili powder enhance the dish's depth. - Red onion, diced - Bell pepper, chopped - Black beans, drained - Corn, fresh or frozen Adding these can boost flavor and nutrition. Red onion adds a sharp bite, while bell pepper provides crunch. Black beans and corn make the dish heartier. - Chicken breasts can be replaced with thighs for more moisture. - Honey can be swapped for maple syrup for a different sweetness. - Jasmine rice can be switched with basmati or brown rice for variety. These substitutes keep the recipe similar while allowing personal taste. Adjusting ingredients can make the meal your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a bowl. Whisk together 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add in 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well. Add the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bowl. Make sure they get a nice coat of the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can let it sit for up to 2 hours. Next, let’s prepare the rice. Start by rinsing 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. You want the water to run clear. This step helps remove excess starch. In a saucepan, add the rinsed rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check if the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed. Once done, remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. While the rice cooks, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Place it on the hot grill. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step keeps it juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into strips. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and 1 diced ripe avocado. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro. Add more lime juice, salt, and pepper if you like. Now, plate a generous scoop of the avocado rice. Top it with the sliced honey lime chicken. For a fresh touch, garnish with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your meal! To get great chicken, marinate it well. Mix honey, lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Let the chicken sit in this mix for at least 30 minutes. If you can, go for two hours. This gives more flavor. Use a grill pan or skillet on medium-high heat. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until it reaches 165°F. Resting the chicken for a few minutes helps keep it juicy. Start by rinsing the jasmine rice. This removes excess starch and helps it cook better. Use chicken broth instead of water for more taste. Bring the broth and rice to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. When done, fluff it with a fork. This makes the rice light and fluffy. After cooking, let the chicken rest. This helps the juices settle. Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken. Cut against the grain for tender pieces. Aim for thin, even slices. This not only looks nice but also makes it easier to eat. Pro Tips Marination Magic: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours enhances the flavor significantly. For best results, marinate overnight in the fridge! Perfect Rice: Rinsing the jasmine rice before cooking removes excess starch, resulting in fluffier rice. Always use the right ratio of rice to liquid for perfect texture. Rest the Meat: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Freshness Factor: Adding fresh lime juice and cilantro just before serving brightens the dish and adds a burst of freshness that complements the honey lime chicken beautifully. {{image_2}} You can boost your Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice with tasty add-ons. Consider adding: - Black beans: They add protein and fiber. - Corn: Sweet corn brings nice texture and flavor. - Spinach: Fresh spinach adds vitamins and color. - Chopped bell peppers: They add crunch and sweetness. Mix these ingredients with the rice or use them as toppings. They will add nutrition and brightness to your meal. You can cook the chicken in various ways. Here are a few methods to try: - Grilling: This method gives a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. - Baking: Cook the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy. - Pan-searing: Use a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for a nice crust, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Each method changes the taste and texture, so feel free to explore what you like best. You can change the flavor of your dish easily. Here are some ideas: - Add spices: Try smoked paprika for a deeper taste. Chipotle powder gives a nice kick. - Use different citrus: Swap lime for lemon or orange for a new twist. - Fresh herbs: Add basil or mint instead of cilantro for unique flavors. Experimenting with these options lets you make this dish your own. Each change can create a whole new experience! To keep your Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the dish cool first. Place the chicken and rice in one container and the avocado in another. This keeps the avocado from browning. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, it's best to use the microwave. Place the chicken and rice mixture in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes, checking halfway through. Stir well to ensure even heating. Avoid reheating the avocado. Add it fresh after warming the rice and chicken. If you want to freeze your dish, do so before adding the avocado. Place the chicken and rice in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. This meal can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as described above. Yes, you can use other rice types. Brown rice adds more fiber, but it takes longer to cook. Quinoa is another great choice; it's high in protein. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid based on the rice type you choose. If you want quick prep, instant rice works too. It cooks faster and still tastes great with this dish. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to soak in. For a deeper taste, marinate for up to 2 hours. Avoid marinating too long, as the acidity from lime juice can change the chicken's texture. If you’re in a rush, even 15 minutes can help make the chicken tasty. Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook a batch and store it in containers. The chicken and rice keep well in the fridge for up to four days. Just add the avocado fresh when you're ready to eat. This way, it stays creamy and delicious. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week! This blog post covered key ingredients for a tasty dish, along with easy steps for cooking. We shared tips to make your chicken and rice perfect, plus helpful variations. Remember, you can adjust flavors and cooking methods for your taste. Store leftovers properly for future meals, and always check FAQ for answers to common questions. With these guidelines, you can create a delicious meal every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice

A delicious and refreshing dish featuring marinated chicken served over a bed of avocado rice.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
to taste salt and pepper
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
1 ripe avocado diced
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
for serving lime wedges

Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, coating them well in the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
While the rice is cooking, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice and diced avocado. Gently stir in the chopped cilantro and season with additional lime juice, salt, and pepper as desired.
Plate a generous scoop of the avocado rice, top with sliced honey lime chicken, and garnish with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For more flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword avocado, chicken, honey, lime, rice