Create a visually appealing and flavorful stacked dinner featuring citrus-glazed chicken over creamy cilantro lime avocado rice. This recipe is designed for busy cooks seeking seriously good food.
Author:avasinclair
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lime zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups cooked white rice, cooled
1 large ripe avocado, mashed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice (for rice)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for rice)
Pinch of salt (for rice)
Optional garnish: extra lime wedges, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lime zest, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper.
Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, toss to coat completely, and let it sit for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (reserve any leftover marinade). Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly caramelized.
Make the glaze: Pour the reserved marinade into the skillet with the chicken. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens into a glaze that coats the chicken. Remove from heat.
Prepare the avocado rice: In a medium bowl, combine the cooled cooked rice, mashed avocado, chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until the rice is evenly coated and creamy.
Assemble the stack: Use a round food mold or a clean, empty tuna can with both ends removed to shape the rice. Press about 1/2 cup of avocado rice firmly into the mold on your serving plate. Carefully lift the mold away.
Top the rice base with a portion of the glazed honey lime chicken. Repeat the layering process for additional servings. Garnish as desired.
Notes
For a firmer rice stack, chill the cooked rice for 30 minutes before mixing with the avocado.
If you prefer grilled chicken, cook the marinated pieces on a grill until done, then brush with the reduced glaze after removing from the heat.
This recipe works well for lunch meal prep stacks; store the chicken and rice separately and assemble just before eating to maintain texture.