Description
Grilled honey-lime marinated chicken thighs served over fluffy rice with tangy dressing and fresh vegetables. A quick, family-friendly Mexican-inspired dish perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
10–12 boneless chicken thighs
⅓ cup + ½ cup olive oil (total 5⁄6 cup)
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp cumin
½ tsp red chili flakes
2 garlic cloves (grated)
1 tbsp + 1 tbsp honey (total 2 tbsp)
Black pepper (to taste)
Zest & juice of 2 limes
2 cups cooked white rice
1¾ cups chicken or vegetable broth
½ cup pickled onions
2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped)
4 mini cucumbers (sliced)
2 avocados (sliced)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp salt
½ tsp chili flakes
Zest & juice of 1 lime
2 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
Whisk marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp onion powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp chili flakes, 2 garlic cloves, lime zest and juice of 1 lime, and black pepper.
Marinate chicken: Add chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight).
Cook rice: In a pot, combine rice, 1¾ cups broth, and ½ cup olive oil. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender (about 15 minutes).
Grill chicken: Preheat grill or pan. Cook chicken over medium-high heat (6–8 minutes per side) until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
Make dressing: Whisk ½ cup olive oil, 1 tbsp honey, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp chili flakes, lime zest and juice of 1 lime, and 2 tbsp cilantro.
Assemble bowls: Layer cooked rice in bowls. Top with grilled chicken, pickled onions, cucumbers, avocados, and drizzle with dressing.
Garnish: Finish with fresh cilantro and extra lime wedges.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor. Substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a halal option. Adjust chili flakes to taste. Rice can be replaced with quinoa for lower carbs. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5,200mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg