Description
Fiesta Lime Chicken features juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lime and spice rub, then topped with a fresh avocado salsa bursting with vibrant flavors. This easy, Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, tacos, burritos, or salads.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
Zest of 1 lime
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp brown sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional)
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 medium ripe but firm avocados, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
Kernels from 1 ear sweet corn
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño pepper, diced
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
- In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, corn, red onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Heat a greased grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side until browned.
- Flip the chicken, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Alternatively, grill over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Just before serving, gently fold the chopped avocados into the salsa mixture and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve the sliced chicken topped generously with avocado salsa and an extra squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
Marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Chicken thighs can be substituted for extra juiciness.
Add black beans, mango, or pineapple to the salsa for variation.
Serve with cilantro-lime rice, salads, tacos, burritos, or grain bowls.
Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Avocado salsa is best served fresh and can be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days.
Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 395 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg