Fiesta Lime Chicken

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fiesta Lime Chicken is packed with aromatic Mexican spices that will transport your taste buds straight to a fiesta! The lime juice and zest add a bright, tangy kick, while the savory chicken rub gives it a rich, smoky depth. Paired with the fresh, crunchy avocado salsa, this dish is both healthy and incredibly flavorful. You can enjoy it as a stand-alone dish or serve it in tacos, burritos, or quesadillas!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼-½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
• ¼ 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 of sweet corn, kernels cut off
• ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, diced, seeds separated
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 1 garlic clove, minced (or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper (or more to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Method

1. Prepare the Chicken Rub

• In a small bowl, whisk together all the chicken rub ingredients: olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (if using), and pepper.
• Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. If time permits, let the chicken sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 8 hours for more flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Stovetop Method:

• Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and grease lightly with oil.
• Once hot, add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until browned on one side.
• Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Grill Method:

• Preheat the grill to medium heat (375-450°F).
• Grill the chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare the Avocado Salsa

• In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except for the avocados: tomatoes, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Gently fold in the avocados just before serving to prevent them from turning mushy. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or jalapeño seeds for extra heat.

4. Serve

• Slice the rested chicken and serve it topped with a generous helping of the fresh avocado salsa.
• Garnish with additional lime wedges and cilantro if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time if desired)

Variations

1. Make It Spicy: Add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the salsa to turn up the heat.
2. Use a Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, beef, or tofu for different variations.
3. Serve as Tacos or Burritos: Use this Fiesta Lime Chicken with avocado salsa as a filling for tacos, burritos, or wraps for a fun twist.
4. Add More Veggies: Add diced cucumber, radishes, or even a handful of spinach to the salsa for extra crunch and freshness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The salsa should be served fresh.

FAQs

1. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance, making it even more flavorful. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before cooking.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will add extra juiciness and flavor.

3. Can I make the salsa without cilantro?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can use fresh parsley or omit it entirely.

4. Can I grill the chicken if it’s been marinated for a long time?

Yes, grilling works perfectly for marinated chicken. Just be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before cooking to ensure even grilling.

5. How do I prevent the avocados from turning brown?

To minimize browning, add the avocados to the salsa just before serving and try pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salsa if storing leftovers.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the label of your soy sauce and ensure it’s gluten-free if you’re sensitive.

7. How do I make this dish more filling?

Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or a leafy green salad to make the meal more filling.

8. Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, just defrost in the fridge overnight and warm it up.

9. Can I use lime juice from a bottle instead of fresh lime?

Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but if you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice will work in a pinch.

10. How can I make the salsa spicier?

For extra heat, add more jalapeño seeds, hot sauce, or finely chopped chili peppers to the salsa.

Conclusion

This Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether served with rice, in tacos, or simply on its own, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s quick, healthy, and satisfying. The balance of tangy lime, savory spices, and creamy avocado will have you coming back for more!

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