Name: Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for heat); 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 medium avocados, ripe but firm, 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 jalapeno pepper, diced, seeds optional; 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

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Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a vibrant and zesty dish that dances on your taste buds, bringing the joy of Mexican flavors to your table. The juicy chicken is marinated in a delightful blend of spices and fresh lime, evoking the sunny atmosphere of a tropical getaway. With each bite, you’ll feel the warmth of the lime and the freshness of the vegetables in the accompanying avocado salsa. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience worth creating in your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or simple family dinners, and the step-by-step directions make it easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This delightful dish is not only bursting with flavor, but it also comes with a plethora of benefits that make it a fantastic choice for anyone. With easy prep, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. The family-friendly nature of Fiesta Lime Chicken means even your picky eaters are likely to enjoy it. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or sticking to more traditional recipes, this one keeps your cooking stress to a minimum. Additionally, using minimal ingredients ensures that you can whip up this feast without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients for Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

To create this tantalizing dish, gather the following ingredients:

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
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for heat)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 medium avocados, ripe but firm, 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 jalapeno pepper, diced, seeds optional
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

Step-by-Step Directions

To prepare your Fiesta Lime Chicken, start by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly with this flavorful rub. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours for a deeper flavor profile. When ready to cook, bring it back to room temperature.

For stovetop cooking, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, lightly greasing the surface. Cook the marinated chicken for 3-5 minutes on one side until beautifully browned. Flip the chicken, cover, and reduce the heat to medium, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until done. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in those delicious juices.

If grilling is your preferred method, preheat the grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s perfectly cooked through. As with the stovetop method, remember to let it rest for 5 minutes afterward.

While the chicken is resting, prepare the avocado salsa. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped avocados and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Tips & Tricks

For the best results, be sure to marinate the chicken for a longer period if possible, as this will deepen the flavors. If you enjoy a smokier kick, feel free to add more chipotle chili powder. You could also grill extra chicken and use the leftovers in salads or wraps throughout the week. To cut down on prep time, consider using pre-chopped vegetables or even store-bought salsa if you’re in a rush. For some additional fun, try adding fruits like mango or pineapple in your salsa for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside a variety of sides. Rice, particularly cilantro-lime rice, complements the dish beautifully. For a lighter option, consider pairing it with a simple green salad drizzled with lime vinaigrette. If you’re hosting a gathering, create a taco bar featuring the chicken and salsa, accompanied by warm tortillas and various toppings, like shredded cheese and sour cream. You could also serve it alongside black beans or corn on the cob for a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information

While nutritional content can vary, a serving of Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa typically contains approximately 350-400 calories. The dish is rich in protein from the chicken, while the avocado provides healthy fats. The fresh vegetables add a variety of vitamins and minerals, making this dish a balanced option for any meal. When enjoying this dish, remember that while it is healthy, indulging in sides or additional toppings can add extra calories.

Storing Tips & Variations for Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

This dish can be easily stored for later enjoyment. Keep leftover chicken and salsa separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or a skillet, taking care to avoid drying it out. For a healthier swap, consider using skinless chicken breasts or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream in your sides. For creative variations, try using shrimp or fish instead of chicken, adjusting the marinade accordingly, or experimenting with different salsas featuring various fresh ingredients from your local market.

Conclusion for Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Now that you’ve discovered how to make Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa, it’s time to take action! Gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in a delightful culinary experience. This recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors, making it a must-try in your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoy good food, this dish will surely please everyone at your table.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for best results.

2. How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted by controlling the amount of chipotle chili powder used in the marinade. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat.

3. Can I make the salsa ahead of time?
Absolutely! The salsa can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just remember to add the avocados right before serving to keep them fresh.

4. What other sides work well with this dish?
Consider serving it with rice, quinoa, or a simple corn salad. Any light, fresh side will complement the flavors beautifully.

5. Is Fiesta Lime Chicken healthy?
Yes, it is healthy! It contains lean protein, healthy fats from avocados, and plenty of vitamins from the fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Healthy

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Description

A vibrant and zesty dish that brings the joy of Mexican flavors to your table with marinated chicken and fresh avocado salsa.

Instructions

Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder, and pepper. Coat the chicken evenly with this flavorful rub. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
Cook the chicken: For stovetop, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, grease lightly. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes on one side. Flip, cover, and reduce heat to medium, cooking for another 5-7 minutes until done. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare the avocado salsa: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Chill to let flavors meld, then fold in avocados just before serving.