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Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa Recipe

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Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of lime, chili powder, and aromatic spices. Paired with a fresh, creamy, and crunchy avocado salsa made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, corn, red onion, and jalapeño, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners yet flexible for marinating ahead, enjoy this versatile meal as a main dish or in tacos, burritos, and quesadillas.

Ingredients

Chicken and Rub

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • Lime zest from 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 to 4 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Avocado Salsa

  • 2 medium ripe but firm avocados, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered or 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • Fresh corn from 1 ear of sweet corn
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, diced, seeds separated
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove, minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or more to taste)

Instructions

  1. Make the Fiesta Lime Rub: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (optional), and pepper to make the rub for the chicken. Rub this mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts.
  2. Marinate Chicken: If time permits, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soak in the flavors, or alternatively refrigerate for up to 8 hours. Before cooking, bring chicken back to room temperature if refrigerated.
  3. Prepare the Avocado Salsa: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes), fresh corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño (separating seeds as desired), cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together, cover with plastic wrap, and chill from 30 minutes up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, gently fold in chopped avocados and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Cook the Chicken – Stovetop Method: Heat a lightly greased indoor grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Place chicken breasts on the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until nicely browned or blackened on one side. Flip chicken, cover pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh lime juice.
  5. Cook the Chicken – Grilling Method: Preheat and grease a grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Grill chicken breasts undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Serve: Plate the sliced Fiesta Lime Chicken alongside a generous portion of the fresh avocado salsa. Enjoy as is or use in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor but is not required.
  • Adjust chipotle chili powder amount based on your preferred spice level.
  • Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
  • Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best vibrant citrus flavor.
  • The avocado salsa can be made ahead and kept chilled; add avocado last to prevent browning.
  • Serve with warm tortillas or over rice for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-with-avocado-salsa-recipe/