Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

This Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa brings zesty, savory flavors that make every bite a delight. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a bold lime-infused mix, baked to perfection, and topped with a fresh avocado salsa. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavors in a dish that feels light yet satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🥑🍗

With its vibrant lime marinade and the refreshing avocado salsa, this recipe packs plenty of bold flavors while keeping things healthy. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or even a gathering with friends. Plus, the simplicity of the ingredients and steps means anyone can make this restaurant-quality dish right at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For a moist marinade that helps brown the chicken.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice – Adds a bright, zesty flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lime zest – Packs an intense lime aroma and tang.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Gives the chicken a mild kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness that complements the lime.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin – Earthy and warm, it balances the tanginess.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – For a subtle depth of flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the savory profile.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.

For the Avocado Salsa:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced – Creamy and mild, they make the perfect base for the salsa.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds a juicy sweetness to the salsa.
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped – Brings a little crunch and sharpness.
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped – Adjust to taste for a mild to spicy kick.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – Adds a pop of herbal freshness.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice – Enhances the tanginess in the salsa.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps blend and soften the flavors in the salsa.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Adjust to enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. The lime and spices will combine to create a rich, aromatic marinade that infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bowl with the marinade, turning them to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, allow it to marinate for up to 4 hours.

Tip: Marinating the chicken enhances its flavor and makes it extra tender. But avoid marinating for longer than 4 hours, as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken too much.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. Arrange the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and arrange the pieces in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Discard the used marinade.
3. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, which should read 165°F (74°C) when the chicken is fully cooked.

Tip: Letting the chicken bake uncovered allows it to develop a slight golden crust while staying moist inside.

Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Salsa

1. Combine the Ingredients: While the chicken is baking, prepare the salsa. In a medium mixing bowl, add the diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño pepper (adjust based on your spice preference), and chopped cilantro.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until combined. Pour this dressing over the avocado mixture.
3. Mix the Salsa: Gently toss the ingredients in the bowl to coat everything with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocados too much to keep the salsa chunky and fresh.

Tip: Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture in your salsa. If they’re too soft, they might turn mushy.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes the chicken easier to slice.
2. Slice and Plate: Slice the chicken into strips, place it on a plate, and spoon a generous amount of avocado salsa over each piece.
3. Enjoy! Serve with your favorite sides, or enjoy it as is for a light, flavorful meal.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Fiesta Lime Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Mexican Rice or Quinoa: Serve alongside a bed of Mexican-style rice or fluffy quinoa for a hearty meal.
• Warm Tortillas: Wrap slices of the chicken and salsa in warm tortillas for a fun twist.
• Grilled Corn: Add a side of grilled corn or corn on the cob with a bit of chili powder and lime for extra zest.
• Green Salad: A crisp salad with fresh greens, cucumber, and a light dressing complements the richness of the avocado salsa.

Tips for Success 🍋🌶️

• Make it Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 4 hours in advance, and the salsa can be prepared up to 1 hour ahead of time. Just keep the salsa covered in the refrigerator to prevent browning.
• Customize the Spice: If you like it extra spicy, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the salsa.
• Grill Option: For an outdoor summer vibe, grill the marinated chicken instead of baking it. The grill adds a smoky flavor that’s fantastic with the lime marinade.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving) 🌟

Please note that these are approximate values based on standard serving sizes.

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 3g

This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and fiber from the veggies, making it a wholesome option for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions 🤔

1. Can I make this recipe with a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times as needed for each protein.

2. Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftover chicken and salsa separately. The chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the avocado salsa is best eaten fresh but can be kept for up to 1 day.

3. Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice can work if it’s your only option.

4. What can I substitute for avocado?
If you’re not a fan of avocado, you can substitute with a mango salsa for a sweet twist or even a cucumber-tomato salad for something lighter.

Perfect for Any Occasion 🎉

Whether it’s a family dinner, a weekend BBQ, or just a quick meal to brighten up your week, this Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa fits the bill. Its zesty lime marinade and vibrant salsa make it feel like a little celebration on your plate, no matter the occasion.

This recipe is sure to be a hit, with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. So grab those ripe avocados, get the chicken marinating, and prepare yourself for a delicious meal that’s as healthy as it is satisfying!