Description
Honey Lime Chicken Avocado Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender marinated chicken breasts with fragrant jasmine rice, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced by a tangy honey lime sauce. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal, this recipe balances sweet, citrus, and savory flavors beautifully.
Ingredients
Units
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For the Chicken Marinade and Cooking
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup honey
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Rice
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
For the Toppings
- 2 ripe avocados
- Bell peppers (as desired), chopped
- Corn (as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, the juice of 2 limes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika until well combined. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Cook the Jasmine Rice: Rinse 1 cup jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed and rice is tender and fluffy. Set the cooked rice aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later use. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Make the Honey Lime Sauce: Using the same skillet, pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens into a glaze-like consistency.
- Prepare Toppings: While the chicken rests, slice the ripe avocados and prepare any additional vegetables such as chopped bell peppers and corn as desired for added freshness and texture.
- Assemble and Serve: On each plate, layer the fluffy jasmine rice, top with slices of the cooked chicken breast, then add avocado slices and your choice of chopped vegetables. Drizzle the thickened honey lime sauce generously over the top and serve immediately for a flavorful and colorful meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Rinse jasmine rice to achieve fluffy, separated grains.
- Use ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the best texture.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your favorite fresh vegetables like tomatoes, corn, or bell peppers.