Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa instantly brings summer to your table. From the first squeeze of fresh lime on tender, spice‑rubbed chicken, this dish evokes warm Mexican evenings, laughter, and shared meals. It’s the kind of comfort food that reminds you of backyard cook‑outs with friends, vibrant fiesta nights, and the joy of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in harmony.
The juicy chili‑lime chicken tells a personal story of warm memories—maybe your abuela’s legendary lime‑spiked roast or a backyard BBQ where cilantro‑lime rice and this colorful dish stole the show. It’s bright, fresh, and soulful—a dish worth savoring all year long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright & Bold Flavors – A lively blend of citrus, spice, and zest wakes up every bite.
- Quick & Easy – Just 30 minutes marinating and a short cook makes this perfect for weeknights.
- Healthy & Fresh – Lean chicken paired with avocado corn salsa brings balance and vitamins.
- Versatile – Great solo, or in tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas—you can’t go wrong!
Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa: A Fresh, Flavorful Dinner Favorite
Description
Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa instantly brings summer to your table. From the first squeeze of fresh lime on tender, spice‑rubbed chicken, this dish evokes warm Mexican evenings, laughter, and shared meals. It’s the kind of comfort food that reminds you of backyard cook‑outs with friends, vibrant fiesta nights, and the joy of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in harmony. The juicy chili‑lime chicken tells a personal story of warm memories—maybe your abuela’s legendary lime‑spiked roast or a backyard BBQ where cilantro‑lime rice and this colorful dish stole the show. It’s bright, fresh, and soulful—a dish worth savoring all year long.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Fiesta Lime Rub
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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Juice and zest of 1 lime
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1 tsp chili powder
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¾ tsp salt
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp brown sugar
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1–4 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional for heat)
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¼ tsp black pepper
Avocado Salsa
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2 medium avocados, ripe but firm, chopped
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
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Kernels from 1 ear fresh corn
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⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
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½ red bell pepper, chopped
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1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
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2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
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1 garlic clove, minced
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2 Tbsp lime juice
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¼ tsp ground cumin
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¼ tsp salt
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⅛ tsp pepper
Instructions
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Prep the chicken: Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound until about ½″ thick—this ensures even, juicy cooking.
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Mix the rub: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, zest, spices, brown sugar, and chipotle powder in a bowl until well‑blended.
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Marinate: Coat chicken with the rub, either massaging it in by hand or brushing it on. Let rest 30 minutes at room temp or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
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Cook the chicken:
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Stovetop: Heat a grill pan/skillet over medium‑high with a splash of oil. Cook chicken 3‑5 min per side until browned and 165 °F inside, then rest 5 minutes.
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Grill: Preheat outdoors to medium (375‑450 °F). Grill 5‑7 min per side until cooked through. Rest before slicing.
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Make the salsa: While chicken cooks, toss tomatoes, corn, onion, pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Fold in avocados just before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve: Slice chicken, plate it with salsa spooned on top, garnish with extra lime or cilantro if you like.
Notes
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You can prep the salsa base up to 24 hrs ahead (minus avocado).
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Store salsa in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on top; enjoy within 1‑2 days to avoid browning.
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Chicken (without salsa) stays fresh in the fridge up to 4 days or freezes well for 3 months.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
Fiesta Lime Rub
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1–4 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional for heat)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Avocado Salsa
- 2 medium avocados, ripe but firm, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- Kernels from 1 ear fresh corn
- ⅓ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 Tbsp lime juice
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Place chicken between plastic wrap and pound until about ½″ thick—this ensures even, juicy cooking.
- Mix the rub: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, zest, spices, brown sugar, and chipotle powder in a bowl until well‑blended.
- Marinate: Coat chicken with the rub, either massaging it in by hand or brushing it on. Let rest 30 minutes at room temp or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
- Cook the chicken:
- Stovetop: Heat a grill pan/skillet over medium‑high with a splash of oil. Cook chicken 3‑5 min per side until browned and 165 °F inside, then rest 5 minutes.
- Grill: Preheat outdoors to medium (375‑450 °F). Grill 5‑7 min per side until cooked through. Rest before slicing.
- Make the salsa: While chicken cooks, toss tomatoes, corn, onion, pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Fold in avocados just before serving. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Slice chicken, plate it with salsa spooned on top, garnish with extra lime or cilantro if you like.
Helpful Tips
- Even thickness – Pounding ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays tender.
- Grilling corn – Char corn on the cob or in a skillet before adding to salsa for a smoky depth.
- Salsa prep – Mix salsa base ahead (without avocado), then stir in avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Adjust heat – Play with chipotle and jalapeno levels for your preferred spice.
- Let it rest – Always rest cooked chicken 5 minutes—this locks in juices and ensures tenderness.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 min (plus 30 min marinating)
- Cook Time: 10–12 min
- Total Time: ~50 min
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main dish
- Method: Grill or stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican‑inspired
- Diet: Gluten‑free, high‑protein, healthy
Notes
- You can prep the salsa base up to 24 hrs ahead (minus avocado).
- Store salsa in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on top; enjoy within 1‑2 days to avoid browning.
- Chicken (without salsa) stays fresh in the fridge up to 4 days or freezes well for 3 months.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (with salsa): ~350 cal, 25 g protein, 18 g fat, 20 g carbs. (Approximate values only.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Thighs cook slightly faster, are juicier, and still taste fantastic with the lime‑spice rub.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Marinate chicken ahead, prep salsa base, then cook and assemble at dinner time for fresh flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Chicken: Store cooled, sliced chicken in an airtight container up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Avocado Salsa: Store in airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on top; use within 1–2 days.
Related Recipes
If you love this Fiesta Lime Chicken, you’ll also enjoy:
- Southwest Chicken Rice Bowls
- Chipotle Pineapple Chicken Tacos
- Grilled Shrimp Tostadas with Creamy Avocado
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
Conclusion
Enjoy this Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa as the heart of any meal—whether you serve it with cilantro‑rice, tuck it into tacos, or make it the star of a burrito bowl. Every bite is a celebration of fresh flavors, bold spices, and joyful memories. Let this dish welcome you home, any night of the week.
