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Honey Lime Chicken with Avocado Rice

A delightful dish that combines tender grilled chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy honey-lime mix, served with creamy avocado rice, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Latin American, Mexican
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Marinade Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp quality extra virgin olive oil offers a robust flavor
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts try to buy organic for better taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Juice of 3 limes freshly squeezed is always better than bottled
  • 1 tbsp pure honey local honey can add to flavor depth
For the Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain rice jasmine or basmati work beautifully
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt adds flavor
  • 1 ripe avocado diced pick one that’s slightly soft to the touch
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped optional but recommended for freshness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, juice of 2 limes, and honey until fully combined and fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring every piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, but for best results, aim for 2 hours.
  3. While the chicken marinates, rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, which removes excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and 1/2 tsp salt, and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cooking Rice
  1. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the water has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. After resting, fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in the diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and the juice of the remaining lime.
Cooking Chicken
  1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, lightly oil the surface, and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  2. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips and serve over the avocado rice, garnishing with extra cilantro or lime wedges if desired.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the chicken’s tenderness. You can marinate the chicken the night before for deeper flavor absorption, making your dinner time even easier.