Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe with Avocado Recipe
Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lime and chili rub, grilled to perfection and served with a fresh, colorful avocado salsa. This recipe balances smoky, tangy, and spicy notes for a deliciously refreshing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Fiesta Lime Rub
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
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
Avocado Salsa
- 2 medium ripe but firm avocados, 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 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper (or more to taste)
- Prepare the Chicken Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, brown sugar, salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (if using), and pepper. Add olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest, mixing until combined.
- Rub the Chicken: Evenly coat the chicken breasts with the Fiesta Lime Rub. If time allows, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours, then bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken – Stovetop: Heat a greased grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until browned. Flip chicken, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook the Chicken – Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Grill chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Remove and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Avocado Salsa: Combine cherry tomatoes or Roma, fresh corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (without seeds for less heat), cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Avocado and Serve: Just before serving, gently fold in chopped avocados into the chilled salsa. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and jalapeno seeds if desired. Serve alongside sliced Fiesta Lime Chicken.
Notes
- For spicier chicken, increase the chipotle chili powder or add jalapeno seeds in the salsa.
- Letting the chicken marinate enhances flavor but cooking immediately still yields tasty results.
- Resting chicken after cooking ensures juicy, tender meat.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
- The avocado salsa can be prepared in advance, but add avocados only right before serving to prevent browning.
- If grilling, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with avocado salsa (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Fiesta Lime Chicken, Avocado Salsa, Grilled Chicken, Lime Chicken Recipe, Mexican Chicken, Healthy Chicken Dinner