Description
A vibrant and flavorful Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in zesty lime and spices, topped with a refreshing avocado salsa that combines creamy avocado, fresh tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Perfect for a quick and healthy 30-minute meal that serves 4.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over them, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, roughly 375°F to 400°F, ensuring it is ready for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is fully cooked with no pink in the center.
- Prepare Avocado Salsa: While the chicken cooks, combine diced avocados, diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Gently toss to blend the fresh ingredients together.
- Rest the Chicken: Once grilled, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and top with the freshly made avocado salsa for a zesty, refreshing finish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer improves flavor intensity but avoid marinating more than 4 hours to prevent texture changes.
- For added smoky flavor, consider using a charcoal grill or adding wood chips to a gas grill.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover salsa can be refrigerated for up to 1 day but is best served fresh due to avocado browning.
- Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
