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do Stack with Hot Honey & Candied Pecans Recipe

do Stack with Hot Honey & Candied Pecans Recipe

4.9 from 25 reviews

This Lime Chicken & Feta-Avocado Stack combines zesty marinated chicken with a creamy feta-avocado layer, topped with sweet and spicy candied pecans and drizzled with hot honey for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a vibrant, healthy dish ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lime Chicken

  • lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 2 limes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Feta-Avocado Layer

  • 2 ripe avocados
  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Candied Pecans

  • ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

For the Hot Honey

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ½1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, finely chopped
  • Extra lime zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Candied Pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans, honey, cinnamon, and salt. Stir constantly for 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and the pecans are caramelized. Transfer to parchment paper to cool and set.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime zest, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken and toss well to coat. Set aside to marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, juicy, and cooked through. Remove from heat.
  4. Make the Feta-Avocado Layer: In a bowl, gently mash the ripe avocados with crumbled feta cheese, lime juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Keep the mixture slightly chunky to maintain texture.
  5. Prepare the Hot Honey: Warm the honey gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the chili flakes and lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Remove from heat once combined and fragrant.
  6. Assemble the Stack: Using a ring mold or a small bowl as a template, layer the feta-avocado mixture as the base, followed by the cooked lime chicken, then top with the candied pecans.
  7. Finish & Serve: Drizzle the stacked layers generously with the hot honey. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and a sprinkle of extra lime zest. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for more intense lime flavor.
  • Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid a watery feta-avocado layer.
  • Adjust the chili flakes in the hot honey according to your preferred spice level.
  • For a dairy-free option, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative or omit entirely.
  • Serve this stack with a side salad or warm flatbread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: lime chicken, feta avocado stack, candied pecans, hot honey, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, easy chicken dinner