Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving. Just shorten the cook time slightly and check for doneness.

What can I serve with Fiesta Lime Chicken?

Rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime), black beans, grilled corn, or a crisp green salad all work beautifully.

How long can I store leftovers?

Keep leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. The avocado salsa is best fresh, but you can squeeze extra lime over it to keep it from browning too fast.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, depending on thickness. Broil at the end for a little charred magic.

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Description

This Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a flavor-packed, juicy grilled chicken dish marinated in zesty lime and smoky spices, topped with fresh avocado salsa. It’s the perfect quick and healthy dinner to spice up your weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Zest and juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon brown sugar

For the Avocado Salsa:

2 ripe avocados, diced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
Juice of ½ lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Pound the Chicken:
Place chicken between plastic wrap or in a freezer bag and pound to even thickness.
Make the Wet Rub:
Mix olive oil, lime juice and zest, and all the seasonings and brown sugar in a bowl.
Marinate:
Rub the mixture over the chicken, cover, and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 8 hours).
Cook the Chicken:
Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side, until internal temp reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Prepare the Avocado Salsa:
Combine diced avocados, tomatoes, onion, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Serve:
Spoon avocado salsa over cooked chicken and garnish with fresh lime wedges and cilantro if desired.

Notes

Chicken thighs can be used for juicier results—just reduce cook time slightly.
Avocado salsa is best served fresh; if prepping ahead, add lime juice last minute to prevent browning.
Make it spicier by increasing chipotle chili powder or adding a chopped jalapeño to the salsa.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Main course
Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 365 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg