Description of this recipe
This Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex cuisine. It features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lime and spice blend, grilled to perfection, and topped with a refreshing avocado salsa bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive weekend gathering.
Why you will love this recipe
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Explosion of Flavor: The combination of the tangy lime marinade, the smoky spices, and the creamy avocado salsa creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference, substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand, and serve it with a variety of sides.
- Quick and Easy to Make: The marinade and salsa can be prepared ahead of time, making this dish a breeze to assemble when you’re ready to cook.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant colors of the chicken and salsa make this dish a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Ingredients:
For the Fiesta Lime Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe but firm avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds adjusted to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (for salsa)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for salsa)
Preparation:
Before you dive into the recipe, take a moment to prepare your ingredients. Dice the avocados, tomatoes, red onion, and bell pepper for the salsa. Mince the jalapeño, cilantro, and garlic. Zest and juice the limes. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (30 minutes – 8 hours)
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, brown sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This marinade is the key to infusing the chicken with that signature Fiesta Lime flavor.
Rub the marinade evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring every surface is coated. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, and marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Salsa (30 minutes – 24 hours)
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the avocado salsa. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, corn kernels, diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, remaining 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. Chilling the salsa allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious and complex taste.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken (8-12 minutes)
There are two cooking methods you can use to prepare the chicken: grilling or stovetop cooking.
- Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat (375–450°F). Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill grates and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook for 3–5 minutes undisturbed on the first side. Flip the chicken, cover the pan, and cook for 5–7 minutes more, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest the Chicken (5 minutes)
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill or pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Just before serving, gently fold the diced avocado into the chilled salsa. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocado can become mushy.
Slice the rested chicken breasts and top generously with the prepared avocado salsa.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa over a bed of cilantro lime rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Serve with warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, and sour cream for a delicious taco or burrito bowl.
- Serve the chicken and salsa as a topping for a fresh and vibrant salad.
- Pair with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob.
- Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
Tips:
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- If you don’t have fresh corn, you can use frozen corn kernels that have been thawed.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño to your preferred spice level. Remove the seeds and membranes for a milder flavor.
- Make sure your avocados are ripe but firm. Overripe avocados will be too mushy for the salsa.
- To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it with a little lime juice before adding it to the salsa.
- If you’re making the salsa ahead of time, add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
- Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximate)
Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Sodium: 350mg
Conclusion:
This Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe is a culinary adventure that brings together the bright and zesty flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. The combination of the tender, marinated chicken, the refreshing avocado salsa, and the customizable serving suggestions makes this dish a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the explosion of flavors and the healthy goodness of this vibrant and delicious dish!
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Thawing the chicken in the refrigerator overnight is the safest and most recommended method.
Q2: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: To increase the spice level, you can add more minced jalapeño to the salsa, use a hotter variety of chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
Q3: Can I use a different type of salsa with this chicken?
A: Absolutely! While the avocado salsa is a classic pairing, you can experiment with other types of salsa, such as mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or even a traditional tomato salsa.
Q4: What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe besides rice and tortillas?
A: Some other great side dishes include black beans, refried beans, Mexican coleslaw, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette.
Q5: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling or cooking it on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
