Juicy grilled chicken meets zesty lime marinade and a vibrant avocado salsa in this bold, flavor-packed dish! It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling. Easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and customizable with your favorite toppings—this Fiesta Lime Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lime
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat well. Seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor). - Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. - Make the Avocado Salsa:
While the chicken rests, gently mix avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Assemble and Serve:
Place sliced grilled chicken on a serving plate. Spoon the avocado salsa generously over the top. Add any optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Swap Chicken Breasts for Thighs:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a juicier alternative and stay tender even if slightly overcooked. They also soak up the marinade beautifully and bring even more flavor to the dish. - Make It Spicy:
Add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the marinade or salsa for a spicier kick. You can also drizzle the finished dish with a little hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat. - Tropical Twist:
Mix diced mango or pineapple into the avocado salsa for a sweet and tangy balance that pairs deliciously with the lime and spice of the chicken. It gives the dish a tropical flair that’s perfect for summer meals.
Cooking Notes
- Marinating Time Matters:
While 30 minutes will do the trick in a pinch, marinating the chicken for 1–2 hours deepens the flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Avoid marinating for more than 8 hours to prevent the citrus from breaking down the texture too much. - Grill vs. Skillet:
A grill will give the chicken beautiful charred marks and smoky flavor, but a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan also works great for indoor cooking. Be sure the pan is hot enough to sear the chicken and lock in juices. - Don’t Skip the Rest Time:
Letting the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful when sliced.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Over Grains:
Spoon the chicken and avocado salsa over rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a hearty, complete bowl. Add black beans or corn for extra substance. - Taco-Style Night:
Slice the chicken and stuff into warm tortillas with avocado salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream for a fun taco twist. Add a side of tortilla chips and guac for a festive feel. - Light & Fresh Salad Bowl:
Serve the grilled chicken and salsa over a bed of greens like romaine, spinach, or arugula. Drizzle with a lime vinaigrette for a light and healthy lunch or dinner option.
Tips
- Use Fresh Lime Juice:
Bottled lime juice doesn’t compare to the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lime. Squeeze your own for the marinade and salsa for the best results. - Avocados Last-Minute:
Dice and mix the avocado salsa just before serving to keep the avocados from browning. If prepping ahead, you can cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to help reduce oxidation. - Double the Salsa:
This avocado salsa is so good, you might want to double the batch. It pairs well with tortilla chips, grilled fish, or even as a topping for scrambled eggs the next day.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 38g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes! Bake the marinated chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. For a slightly crispy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes. - How long will the avocado salsa keep in the fridge?
The salsa is best eaten fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day. To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container. - Is this recipe meal-prep friendly?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken ahead of time and store it separately from the salsa. Reheat the chicken and make a fresh batch of salsa when you’re ready to eat. Great for weekday lunches or dinners. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. The recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add cheese or sour cream as toppings—just leave those out or swap with dairy-free alternatives.
Conclusion
Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—zesty, juicy, fresh, and bursting with bold flavor. It’s easy to make, versatile, and loaded with healthy ingredients. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this dish brings a party to your plate. Top it your way, serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a satisfying, flavor-packed meal every time.
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Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes minimum marinate time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy grilled chicken meets zesty lime marinade and a vibrant avocado salsa in this bold, flavor-packed dish! It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling. Easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and customizable with your favorite toppings—this Fiesta Lime Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lime
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime zest. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat well. Seal and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor). - Cook the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. - Make the Avocado Salsa:
While the chicken rests, gently mix avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Assemble and Serve:
Place sliced grilled chicken on a serving plate. Spoon the avocado salsa generously over the top. Add any optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Want some heat? Add diced jalapeños to the avocado salsa.
- Swap in chicken thighs for a juicier bite.
- Great for meal prep—store the chicken and salsa separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Grilled or Skillet
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: ~420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: fiesta lime chicken, grilled chicken with avocado salsa, lime chicken, avocado tomato salsa, Tex-Mex chicken
