Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until fully combined. Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over them, and turn to coat completely. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- While the chicken marinates, cook 2/3 cup uncooked rice with 1 cup water according to package directions, about 15-18 minutes. Once cooked, fluff with a fork and let cool slightly until just warm. Gently fold in chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. The rice should be fluffy with separate grains, not clumped together.
- Toss diced avocado with 2 tablespoons lime juice in a small bowl to prevent browning. This acid barrier is crucial if you're prepping components ahead, as it keeps the avocado looking fresh and vibrant green.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You should see beautiful grill marks and slight caramelization from the honey.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips. This resting period keeps the juices inside the meat.
- To create the stack, place a 3-4 inch ring mold or ramekin on your serving plate. Press a generous layer of cilantro rice into the bottom (about 1/2 cup), add a layer of diced avocado (about 1/4 cup), then top with sliced chicken strips. Each stack should be about 3-4 inches tall with visible layers. Carefully lift the mold straight up. If rice sticks, run a knife around the inside edge first. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and any optional toppings.
Notes
Store leftover components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Add fresh avocado when serving. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts (cook 6-8 minutes per side to 165°F). Can be served as a deconstructed bowl or used in tacos and wraps. You'll need about 4-5 fresh limes total for this recipe.
