Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

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Introduction

This zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken is your ticket to bold flavor and summer vibes—any time of year. The juicy lime-marinated chicken is perfectly grilled and finished with a creamy, citrusy avocado salsa that brings serious freshness to every bite. Add your favorite toppings and sidekicks for a colorful, crowd-pleasing meal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Zest of 1 lime

For the Avocado Salsa:

  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest. Add chicken and coat well. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for max flavor).
  2. 2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Make the Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, gently toss together avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust lime or salt if needed.
  4. Assemble and Serve:Place chicken on a plate, top generously with avocado salsa, and add any optional toppings you love.

Variations

  1. Spicy Mango Salsa Swap:
    Swap out the avocado salsa for a tropical twist by using diced mango instead. Add red bell pepper, jalapeño, and a splash of lime juice for a sweet-spicy combo that pairs perfectly with the lime-marinated chicken.
  2. Tex-Mex Bowl Style:
    Slice the grilled chicken and serve it over a bowl of cilantro-lime rice, black beans, corn, and your salsa of choice. It’s a build-your-own burrito bowl kind of situation—super customizable and meal-prep friendly.
  3. Make it a Wrap:
    Tuck sliced chicken and avocado salsa into a large tortilla or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a lighter option. Add shredded lettuce, cheese, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo for extra flavor.

Cooking Notes

  1. Don’t Over-Marinate:
    Because of the lime juice (acid), marinating too long can make the chicken mushy. Stick to 30 minutes to 2 hours max for the best texture and flavor balance.
  2. Grill Marks = Flavor:
    If using a grill pan or outdoor grill, let the chicken sear without moving it too soon—this gives you those beautiful charred grill marks that also add a layer of smoky flavor.
  3. Test for Doneness:
    Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here to keep the chicken juicy and perfectly cooked.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Over Cilantro-Lime Rice:
    Serve the chicken on a bed of fluffy rice mixed with lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a touch of butter for a vibrant and hearty base that soaks up all the juicy goodness.
  2. With Street Corn or Elote:
    Pair with grilled Mexican street corn topped with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. The richness of the corn complements the zingy chicken and salsa perfectly.
  3. Family Taco Night:
    Slice the chicken and set up a taco bar with warm tortillas, salsa, cheese, crema, and hot sauce. Let everyone build their own fiesta creation—it’s fun, interactive, and great for casual dinners or parties.

Tips

  1. Use Ripe Avocados:
    Make sure your avocados are ripe but not too soft—look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Overripe avocados will make the salsa too mushy, while underripe ones won’t give you that creamy bite.
  2. Prep Ahead for Busy Days:
    You can make the marinade the night before and store it in the fridge. The avocado salsa can be prepped a few hours in advance too, just add the lime juice last to prevent browning.
  3. Add Crunch for Contrast:
    Toss a few crushed tortilla chips on top or serve with a crunchy slaw on the side. A bit of crunch adds texture contrast that makes every bite more satisfying.

Prep Time:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Marinate Time: 30 minutes (minimum, up to 2 hours)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour (with marinating)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving — based on 1 chicken breast with salsa, no toppings)

  • Calories: ~350
  • Protein: 32g
  • Sodium: 480mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can broil the last 2–3 minutes for some added browning.

How long does the avocado salsa keep?

Avocado salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To help prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing the container.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

Definitely! The base recipe is naturally gluten-free (just make sure your soy sauce is labeled gluten-free). To keep it dairy-free, simply skip the cheese and sour cream toppings or use plant-based alternatives.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! A stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet works just fine. Just be sure to preheat it well and lightly oil the surface before adding the chicken for that nice sear.

Conclusion

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a weeknight hero and weekend crowd-pleaser wrapped into one vibrant, flavor-packed dish. Whether you’re grilling for guests or whipping up a quick and healthy dinner, this recipe brings that fresh, zesty kick that keeps everyone coming back for more. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and endless ways to serve it—this one’s going straight into your regular rotation.

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Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken is your ticket to bold flavor and summer vibes—any time of year. The juicy lime-marinated chicken is perfectly grilled and finished with a creamy, citrusy avocado salsa that brings serious freshness to every bite. Add your favorite toppings and sidekicks for a colorful, crowd-pleasing meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Zest of 1 lime

For the Avocado Salsa:

  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest. Add chicken and coat well. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for max flavor).
  2. 2. Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  3. Make the Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, gently toss together avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust lime or salt if needed.
  4. Assemble and Serve:Place chicken on a plate, top generously with avocado salsa, and add any optional toppings you love.

Notes

  • Want a little kick? Add diced jalapeño to the salsa.
  • Chicken can also be baked at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes.
  • Salsa is best served fresh, but can be made 1–2 hours ahead and kept chilled.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling (or skillet)
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex / Southwest

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
  • Calories: ~350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: grilled chicken, lime chicken, avocado salsa, fiesta chicken, summer grilling

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