Description
Lime Chicken Avocado Salsa is a zesty and colorful dish featuring juicy lime-marinated chicken topped with a chunky avocado salsa loaded with corn, tomatoes, peppers, onion, and cilantro. Fresh, vibrant, and satisfying, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, summer dinners, or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flattened
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼–½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional, for heat)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
¾ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
Zest of 1 lime
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Avocado Salsa:
⅛ teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 garlic clove, chopped (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (adjust to taste)
½ red bell pepper, diced
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
Kernels from 1 ear of sweet corn (or 1 cup cooked)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or 2 Roma tomatoes, diced)
2 ripe avocados, chopped
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, whisk together pepper, chili powders, garlic, onion powder, paprika, cumin, salt, brown sugar, lime zest, lime juice, and olive oil. Rub over chicken and let marinate 30 minutes to 8 hours.
-
Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–5 minutes per side, then cover and cook another 5–7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes. (Alternatively, grill over medium heat 5–7 minutes per side.)
-
For the salsa, combine bell pepper, onion, corn, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add avocado just before serving.
-
Slice chicken and top with generous portions of avocado salsa. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Grill both chicken and corn for a smoky flavor boost.
- Add cayenne or keep jalapeño seeds for extra spice.
- Serve taco-style in tortillas or as a grain bowl with rice or quinoa.
- To prep ahead, make the salsa base and marinate chicken in advance; add avocado at the last moment.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: Mexican