Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Zesty Chicken with Fresh Avocado Salsa

Looking for a dinner that’s bold, fresh, and full of flavor? 🌮✨ This Fiesta Lime Chicken topped with creamy avocado salsa is juicy, tangy, and perfect for weeknights or weekend cookouts.

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
  
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
  
• Total Time: 35 minutes
  

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, pounded evenly
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
  
• Zest from 1 lime
  
• 1 tsp chili powder
  
• 1 tsp brown sugar
  
• ¾ tsp salt
  
• ½ tsp ground cumin
  
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
  
• ½ tsp onion powder
  
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  
• ¼–½ tsp chipotle chili powder (optional, for heat)
  
• ¼ tsp black pepper
  

For the Avocado Salsa:

• 2 ripe but firm avocados, chopped
  
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded, chopped)
  
• 1 ear fresh corn, kernels removed
  
• ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
  
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
  
• 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
  
• 2 tbsp lime juice
  
• ¼ tsp ground cumin
  
• ¼ tsp salt
  
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, zest, and spices.
  
• Rub evenly over chicken breasts. Let sit 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 8 hours in the fridge).
  

2. Prepare the Salsa 🥑

• In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  
• Chill for 30 minutes. Just before serving, gently fold in avocado pieces.
  

3. Cook the Chicken 🔥

• Stovetop: Heat a grill pan/skillet to medium-high. Cook chicken 3–5 min per side until golden. Lower heat, cover, and cook 5–7 min more until internal temp hits 165°F.
  
• Grill: Preheat grill to 375–450°F. Grill chicken 5–7 min per side until done.
  

4. Serve

• Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing. Top generously with avocado salsa and a squeeze of fresh lime.
  

🌟 Pro Tips

• Prep Ahead: Make the salsa base (without avocado) the night before for quick assembly.
  
• Storage: Keep leftover salsa in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on top to slow browning.
  
• Serving Idea: Serve with warm tortillas, rice bowls, or a big salad.
  

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary. For exact numbers, consult a nutritionist.