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Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 67 reviews

This Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts infused with a zesty lime and chili rub, cooked to perfection on the stovetop or grill, and complemented by a fresh, vibrant avocado salsa bursting with corn, tomatoes, and a hint of jalapeno heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Fiesta Lime Chicken

  • 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 to 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Avocado Salsa

  • 2 medium avocados, ripe but firm, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered or 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
  • Fresh corn from 1 ear sweet corn
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, diced, seeds separated
  • 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 or more to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Fiesta Lime Rub and Marinate Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (if using), and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 8 hours. Bring to room temperature before cooking. Prepare the avocado salsa during this time.
  2. Stovetop Cooking – Heat and Prepare Pan: If the chicken was refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Grease and heat an indoor grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
  3. Cooking Chicken on Stovetop (First Side): Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until nicely browned or blackened if preferred.
  4. Cooking Chicken on Stovetop (Second Side): Flip the chicken, cover the pan, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes depending on thickness, until cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally garnish with fresh lime juice.
  5. Grilling Option – Preheat and Cook Chicken: If using a grill, let refrigerated chicken sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Grease and preheat the grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until an internal thermometer reads 165°F.
  6. Rest Grilled Chicken: Remove chicken from the grill and allow it to rest 5 minutes before slicing.
  7. Make the Avocado Salsa: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes), fresh corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (with seeds as desired), cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes to 24 hours.
  8. Add Avocados to Salsa: Just before serving, gently fold in the chopped avocados. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and jalapeno seeds for extra heat if desired.

Notes

  • Chicken is more flavorful when allowed to marinate longer, though it is still delicious if cooked immediately.
  • For extra-large chicken breasts, slice through the equator to create even fillets for more consistent cooking.
  • Serve avocado salsa immediately for best color and freshness as avocados brown quickly when exposed to air.
  • Store leftover salsa in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to slow oxidation, lasting 1 to 2 days refrigerated.
  • Browning of the salsa does not mean spoilage; blended browning salsa can be repurposed as a dip or salad dressing.
  • Prep the Avocado Salsa (without avocados) ahead of time and add avocados just before serving.

Keywords: Fiesta Lime Chicken, Avocado Salsa, Mexican chicken recipe, lime chicken, grilled chicken, stovetop chicken, fresh avocado salsa

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-with-avocado-salsa-recipe/