Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Tender, smoky-lime marinated chicken breasts are grilled or pan-seared to perfection, then topped with a refreshing avocado salsa made with tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime. A vibrant Tex-Mex inspired dish that’s healthy, hearty, and bursting with flavor.
Prep: 15 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35–50 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
Zest & juice of 2 limes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp onion powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Avocado Salsa
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt & pepper, to taste
Garnish
Extra lime wedges
Crumbled queso fresco or feta
Jalapeno slices (for heat)
Instructions
Marinate Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice & zest, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for more flavor).
Cook Chicken:
Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal).
Skillet method: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Make Avocado Salsa:
In a medium bowl, gently mix avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Assemble:
Plate chicken, spoon avocado salsa generously on top.
Garnish with queso fresco, lime wedges, or jalapeno slices if desired.
Notes & Tips
Add a drizzle of honey in the marinade for a sweet-tangy balance.
Swap avocado salsa with mango salsa for a tropical twist.
Works great with thighs too — slightly juicier!
Serve with: cilantro-lime rice, Mexican street corn, or warm tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes — marinate the chicken up to a day ahead. Make salsa just before serving to keep avocados fresh.
Q: Can I bake the chicken?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil for 2 minutes to brown.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add cayenne to the marinade or chopped jalapeno to the salsa.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420
Protein: 38g
Fat: 24g
Carbs: 12g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 3g