🍯 Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack (Mediterranean Style)

This Honey Lime Chicken & Avocado Rice Stack is fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Juicy honey-lime marinated chicken is layered over fluffy herbed rice and creamy avocado, then stacked beautifully for a restaurant-style presentation.

It combines Mediterranean cooking principles — olive oil, fresh herbs, citrus, lean protein, and whole grains — with a bright citrus twist. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or an elegant dinner plate 💚

🌿 Why It’s Mediterranean-Inspired

This dish reflects the heart of the Mediterranean diet:

Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh herbs & garlic
Lean grilled chicken
Whole grains
Avocado for healthy fats
Fresh lime & natural honey for balanced sweetness

Fresh, colorful, and wholesome!

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🍗 For the Honey Lime Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp lime zest
1½ tbsp raw honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

🍚 For the Herbed Rice:

1 cup basmati or jasmine rice (or brown rice)
2 cups water or low-sodium broth
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Zest of ½ lime
Pinch salt

🥑 Avocado Layer:

2 ripe avocados, diced
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch salt & pepper

🌶 Optional Toppings:

Cherry tomatoes, diced
Red onion, finely chopped
Cucumber cubes
Feta cheese crumbles

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, zest, honey, garlic, and spices.
Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

2️⃣ Cook the Rice

Rinse rice thoroughly.
Bring water/broth to a boil, add rice and salt.
Cover and simmer 15 minutes (or according to package).
Fluff and mix with olive oil, parsley, and lime zest.

3️⃣ Grill or Pan-Sear Chicken

Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high.
Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Let rest 5 minutes, then dice into small cubes.

4️⃣ Prepare Avocado Layer

Toss diced avocado with lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

5️⃣ Assemble the Stack

Place a round mold (or clean food can with ends removed) on a plate.
Layer rice first, press gently.
Add avocado layer.
Top with honey lime chicken.
Carefully remove mold.
Garnish with tomatoes, cucumber, herbs, or feta.

Serve immediately for best texture and freshness.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

✔ Serve with Mediterranean chopped salad
✔ Add a drizzle of Greek yogurt sauce
✔ Pair with grilled vegetables
✔ Make it into a bowl instead of stacking

🥗 Health Benefits

High protein
Healthy fats from olive oil & avocado
Balanced carbs
Fresh, whole ingredients
Mediterranean diet friendly

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely. Store components separately for up to 4 days and assemble before serving.

Q3: Can I make it low-carb?

Swap rice for cauliflower rice.

Q4: Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

Q5: What can replace honey?

Maple syrup or a small amount of date syrup works well.

Q6: How do I keep avocado from browning?

Mix with lime juice and store airtight with plastic wrap touching the surface.