Why make this recipe

Honey Lime Chicken Avocado is a delicious and healthy choice for dinner that combines sweet and tangy flavors. The chicken becomes juicy and tender, coated in a punchy honey-lime marinade. When you serve this dish over fluffy rice with creamy avocado slices, it creates a plate that not only looks great but tastes even better. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be on your table in no time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal, and it can even impress your guests!

How to make Honey Lime Chicken Avocado

To create Honey Lime Chicken Avocado, follow these simple steps. You’ll see how easy it is to prepare this meal with a few straightforward tasks in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons honey
1 lime (juiced)
1 avocado (sliced)
2 cups cooked rice
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Olive oil (for grilling)
Cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Directions:

Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved into the lime juice and the seasoning is evenly distributed. This marinade will give your chicken a wonderful flavor that’s balanced between sweet and tart.
Marinate the chicken: Take the chicken breasts and place them in a shallow dish or a resealable bag. Pour the honey-lime mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
Preheat the grill or skillet: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or a skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the grill or skillet; this will help prevent sticking and give the chicken a nice sear.
Grill the chicken: Once the grill or skillet is hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of your chicken, so it’s essential to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you’re using a skillet, you can cover it with a lid to help cook the chicken through while achieving a nice outer crust.
Let the chicken rest: After grilling, remove the chicken breasts from the grill or skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains juicy when you slice it.
Slice the chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
Assemble the dish: Serve a generous portion of cooked rice on each plate. Layer the sliced Honey Lime Chicken over the rice, adding the fresh avocado slices on top. If you want to add a pop of color and flavor, sprinkle some chopped cilantro as a garnish.

How to serve Honey Lime Chicken Avocado

Honey Lime Chicken Avocado is best served warm. The combination of warm chicken, creamy avocado, and fluffy rice makes for a comforting meal. You can enjoy it as is or accompany it with a side salad for a more balanced dish. If you want to serve it as part of a larger meal, consider pairing it with grilled vegetables, steamed broccoli, or even tortillas for a fun twist on the classic taco night!

Another great option is to turn it into a bowl. Use the rice as a base, then add sliced chicken, avocado, and your favorite toppings like chopped tomatoes, corn, or black beans. It adds a nice crunch and flavor contrast, making for a satisfying bowl.

How to store Honey Lime Chicken Avocado

If you have leftovers, storing them correctly will ensure your meal stays fresh. Place the leftover chicken, rice, and avocado in an airtight container. It’s best to store the avocado separately if you plan to keep leftovers because it browns quickly.

In the refrigerator, the chicken and rice can last for about 3-4 days. The avocado should preferably be consumed within a day to avoid browning. If you want to keep the chicken for a longer period, consider freezing it— it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the chicken and rice in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep them from drying out. You can slice a fresh avocado to add on top once it’s heated.

Tips to make Honey Lime Chicken Avocado

Tenderizing the meat: For even juicier chicken, you can tenderize the meat before marinating. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, which helps it cook evenly.
Don’t skip the marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer) is crucial for flavor. If you’re short on time, marinating for 15-20 minutes will still work, but the result will not be as flavorful.
Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and lime to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter chicken, you can increase the honey. For a zestier flavor, add more lime juice.
Use different cooking methods: If you don’t have a grill or skillet, you can also bake the marinated chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Add more toppings: Play around with toppings! You can add chopped red onion, queso fresco, or even a drizzle of spicy sauce to elevate the flavors.

Variation

You can try different variations of Honey Lime Chicken Avocado to suit your tastes.

Add spices: Include spices like cumin, chili powder, or paprika in the marinade for a bit of extra flavor. This can add a delightful kick to your chicken.
Change the grain: Instead of rice, try serving this chicken over quinoa, couscous, or even a bed of fresh greens for a lighter option.
Make it a salad: Chop the grilled chicken and mix it with fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a honey-lime vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.

FAQs

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes, you can replace chicken breast with other proteins like turkey breast, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp. Adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the meat you choose.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day before and cook it just before serving. This makes busy days a breeze. Just be aware that the avocado will need to be sliced fresh right before serving to keep it looking good.

What other sides pair well with this dish?

Besides rice, you can serve Honey Lime Chicken Avocado with black beans, corn salad, roasted vegetables, or even tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this recipe is excellent for meal prepping! Divide the grilled chicken, rice, and avocado among containers to enjoy throughout the week for healthy lunches or dinners.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Of course! Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh marinated in the same honey-lime sauce. Serve it over your favorite grains and add plenty of veggies!

With its vibrant flavors and simplicity, Honey Lime Chicken Avocado makes for an easy and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!

Honey Lime Chicken Avocado

Author: zoubirlahcen
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Paleo

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and healthy dinner option featuring juicy chicken marinated in honey and lime, served over rice with creamy avocado.

Ingredients

Scale

2 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons honey
1 lime (juiced)
1 avocado (sliced)
2 cups cooked rice
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Olive oil (for grilling)
Cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the marinade by mixing honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Marinate the chicken in the honey-lime mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Preheat the grill or skillet on medium heat with a small amount of olive oil.
Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Assemble the dish by serving cooked rice on plates, topped with sliced chicken and avocado, garnished with cilantro.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken longer. Can also substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, honey lime, avocado, healthy dinner, grilling, quick meals