Fiesta Lime Chicken with Fresh Avocado Salsa and Zesty Lime (Print version)
Juicy lime-marinated chicken topped with fresh avocado salsa, ready in 30 minutes for a bright and healthy weeknight dinner.
# Ingredients:
For the lime chicken
01 -
1.5 lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
04 -
Zest of 1 lime
05 -
1 teaspoon chili powder
06 -
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
11 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 -
1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)
For the avocado salsa
13 -
2 ripe avocados, diced
14 -
1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
15 -
1/3 cup (50 g) finely diced red onion
16 -
1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
17 -
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 -
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
19 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and absorb the rub.
02 -
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar until it forms a thin paste.
03 -
Massage the wet rub all over the chicken. Let it rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. If needed, refrigerate for up to 4 hours, then bring back to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
04 -
Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
05 -
While the chicken rests, gently fold the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño together in a bowl. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt. Taste and adjust as needed.
06 -
Slice the chicken against the grain and arrange on plates. Spoon the avocado salsa generously over the top and finish with an extra squeeze of lime.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve immediately while the salsa is fresh and the chicken is warm.