Description
Easy Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado is a quick, fresh, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish features juicy, zesty marinated chicken paired with creamy avocado salsa, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes with minimal cleanup. Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a nutritious, customizable, and crowd-pleasing recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Avocado Salsa
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Garnishes (optional)
- Extra cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Thinly sliced red onions
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse the flavors deeply.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Place marinated chicken into the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the avocado salsa: While the chicken cooks, dice the avocado and mix with chopped cilantro, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This salsa will add creaminess and freshness to the dish.
- Assemble and serve: Once the chicken is cooked, place it on plates and generously top with the avocado salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired, then enjoy your flavorful fiesta!
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the brightest and most authentic flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; remove from heat once it reaches 165°F.
- Allow chicken to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Add the avocado salsa just before serving to prevent browning and keep freshness.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: lime chicken, avocado salsa, quick dinner, gluten free, healthy chicken recipe, one pan meal