Print

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Fiesta Lime Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring perfectly seasoned grilled chicken breasts paired with a fresh, zesty avocado salsa. The chicken is marinated with a tangy lime and chili spice rub, then grilled to juicy perfection. The avocado salsa, made with ripe avocados, tomatoes, corn, and a hint of jalapeno, complements the smoky chicken beautifully, making it a perfect meal for a healthy weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

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

For the 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 Chicken Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (if using), and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature if time permits, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours. If refrigerated, bring chicken back to room temperature before cooking.
  3. Make the Avocado Salsa: In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (without seeds or with seeds for more heat), cilantro, garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes up to 24 hours.
  4. Cook the Chicken (Stovetop Method): Heat olive oil in a greased grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until browned on one side. Flip the chicken, cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Or Cook the Chicken (Grill Method): Preheat a grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Grill chicken breasts undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  6. Finish the Avocado Salsa: Just before serving, gently fold chopped avocados into the chilled salsa. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and jalapeno seeds if desired for more heat.
  7. Serve: Plate the sliced chicken breasts alongside the fresh avocado salsa. Garnish chicken with extra lime juice if desired for added brightness.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer enhances flavor but is optional.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder for desired spice level.
  • The avocado salsa can be made ahead but add avocados last to prevent browning.
  • Leftover chicken is great for salads or wraps the next day.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice can alter taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fiesta Lime Chicken, grilled chicken, avocado salsa, lime chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, Mexican chicken, summer chicken recipe

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-recipe/