Name: Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime); Zest of 1 lime; 1 tsp each: chili powder, brown sugar; ¾ tsp salt; ½ tsp each: ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder; ¼–½ tsp chipotle chili powder (optional, for heat); ¼ tsp pepper; 2 ripe but firm avocados, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered) or 2 Roma tomatoes (seeded, chopped); Kernels from 1 fresh corn cob; ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion; ½ red bell pepper, chopped; 1 jalapeño, diced (seeds optional); 2 tbsp chopped cilantro; 1 garlic clove, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder); 2 tbsp lime juice; ¼ tsp each: ground cumin, salt; ⅛ tsp pepper

Description

Vibrant and refreshing lime-marinated chicken paired with creamy avocado salsa.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
Zest of 1 lime
1 tsp each: chili powder, brown sugar
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp each: ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
¼–½ tsp chipotle chili powder (optional, for heat)
¼ tsp pepper
2 ripe but firm avocados, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered) or 2 Roma tomatoes (seeded, chopped)
Kernels from 1 fresh corn cob
⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
½ red bell pepper, chopped
1 jalapeño, diced (seeds optional)
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
1 garlic clove, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
2 tbsp lime juice
¼ tsp each: ground cumin, salt
⅛ tsp pepper

Instructions

Begin by preparing the chicken. First, mix together all the rub ingredients, allowing the spices to meld into a cohesive blend. Generously coat each chicken breast with the rub mixture, ensuring every edge of the chicken is covered in flavorful spices. Once coated, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
For stovetop cooking, heat a greased skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken into the hot skillet, cooking each side for 3-5 minutes until they develop a beautiful browned crust. After browning, cover the pan and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Begin the salsa by tossing all chopped ingredients except for the avocado into a large bowl. Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this waiting period allows the flavors to mingle and intensify. Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped avocados to preserve their texture and prevent browning.
To serve, slice the rested chicken into bite-sized strips, layer them on a serving platter, and generously top with the freshly mixed salsa.

Notes

Ensure avocados remain slightly firm for the best texture—they should yield to a gentle squeeze without being mushy.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal
Sodium: 500 mg
Protein: 30 g