Name: Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 6 oz each); Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped); Limes (two for juicing, about 1/4 cup); Olive Oil (2 tablespoons); Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon); Cumin (1 teaspoon); Salt and Pepper (to taste); Ripe Avocados (two, diced); Small Red Onion (one, diced); Tomato (one, diced); Lime Juice (for salsa, one); Salt (for salsa, to taste)

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The tantalizing aroma of grilled chicken wafting through your kitchen, combined with the zesty brightness of lime and the fresh touch of cilantro, instantly transports you to a summer picnic under a blue sky. This Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that dance on your palate. Imagine biting into juicy, succulent chicken topped with creamy avocado salsa, the perfect combination of textures that makes your taste buds sing.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

This recipe takes me back to sunny afternoons spent at backyard barbecues with family, where laughter filled the air and everyone gathered around the grill. The vibrant colors of the salsa are not just inviting but also invoke a sense of joy, making this dish a go-to for both casual gatherings and special occasions. With just 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this irresistible dish any day of the week. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy the incredible flavors of this delightful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of lime and cilantro creates a tangy, fresh marinadethat enhances the chicken deliciously.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green avocado salsa adds a pop of color that makes this dish stunning on any table.
Flexible Serving: Great for a light dinner, a crowd-pleasing barbecue, or even meal prep for the week.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for paleo and low-carb diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: (about 6 oz each) This is the protein base that provides a juicy, flavorful bite. You can substitute with turkey cutlets if desired.
Fresh Cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped; adds a fresh and bright flavor that’s essential to the marinade. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great substitute.
Limes: Two for juicing (about 1/4 cup), infusing the chicken with a zesty tang. Fresh limes work best; bottled lime juice will do in a pinch but lacks freshness.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons; enhances moisture and promotes a lovely grilled texture. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil for a unique flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon; gives a savory aroma. Granulated garlic can work if that’s what you have on hand.
Cumin: 1 teaspoon; adds warmth and earthiness that elevates the dish, but swap it with smoked paprika if desired.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, crucial for bringing out all the other flavors.
Ripe Avocados: Two, diced, to create the creamy salsa that tastes amazing with the chicken. If avocados aren’t ripe, they won’t mash well; pick them based on gentle firmness.
Small Red Onion: One, diced; offers a sweet crunch to the salsa. You can replace it with green onions if preferred.
Tomato: One, diced; brightens up the salsa. A ripe roma tomato works beautifully, or try cherry tomatoes for a sweeter kick.
Lime Juice (for salsa): One for added freshness. Fresh is best to complement the avocados.
Salt (for salsa): A sprinkle to taste, to really bring the flavors together.

How to Make Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Whisk Together Marinade: Start by combining the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk until you have a nicely blended marinade. The fragrant blend should lift your spirits with its zesty notes. This marinade is not just for flavor but also tenderizes the chicken. Make sure all ingredients are well mixed to coat every bite of chicken!

Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the marinade, ensuring they are completely covered. It’s best to let them soak in those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes, though leaving them in the fridge for up to 24 hours will give you the deepest flavor. While marinating, you can prepare the salsa to save time, and the smell will keep you excited while you wait!

Prepare Avocado Salsa: In a separate bowl, combine the diced avocados, diced red onion, diced tomato, lime juice, and salt. Gently mix everything together—you want to keep those avocado chunks intact for lovely bites of creaminess. This salsa is best made fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for a few hours before serving if needed. Just be mindful of browning avocado; adding a little lime juice will help with that.

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for at least 10 minutes. A good preheat is critical to achieving nice grill marks and preventing sticking. If you don’t have a grill, you could also use a grill pan on the stove, but the experience won’t be quite as smoky and aromatic!

Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill, spaced about 2 inches apart to ensure even cooking. Allow them to grill without moving for 6 to 7 minutes on one side. This helps form those nice charred markings while locking in moisture. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F. Flip them over and grill for another 6 to 7 minutes until fully cooked. Your grill will smell absolutely incredible during this step!

Rest and Slice: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and succulent. Slice against the grain for optimal texture, which makes for a beautiful presentation and tenderness.

Serve with Salsa: Serve the grilled chicken generously topped with the fresh avocado salsa. This little flair elevates your dish to new heights! Optional garnishes can include lime wedges and additional cilantro—both are an excellent choice for enhancing flavor and appearance. Enjoy the colorful combination as you dig in!

Storing & Reheating

For the best flavor, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about 3-4 days. If you’ve got extra chicken or salsa, you can freeze them in individual portions for up to 3 months. Just remember, while freezing, the texture of the avocado salsa may change after thawing. To reheat, simply warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Add some fresh lime juice or avocado to refresh the flavors!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-marination; while flavor is essential, too long in the acidic marinade can make the chicken tough.
Take chicken out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
For those who love even more flavor, try adding chili flakes to the salsa for a spicy kick!
Keep an eye on the chicken while it grills to prevent flare-ups from the oil.
If avocados are too ripe beforehand, opt for firm ones and allow them to ripen slightly at room temperature.
This dish is great for meal prep! Double the recipe for easy snacks throughout the week.

The bright flavors of Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa not only promise a delicious dinner but also a healthy one! With its fresh ingredients and vibrant taste, it’s a recipe worth making over and over again. Don’t hesitate to play around with the salsa, perhaps adding a pinch of chili powder or extra veggies. The possibilities are endless, so get creative! Enjoy every bite of this colorful celebration of flavors.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are delicious and will add a different richness to the dish. Just ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F as well. They may need a slight increase in grilling time, depending on their thickness.

How do I prevent the avocados from browning in the salsa?

To minimize browning, squeeze fresh lime juice over the diced avocados just before mixing them into your salsa. Also, storing the salsa in an airtight container can help keep it fresh longer. Enjoy your salsa immediately for the best flavor and texture!

Can this dish be made in advance?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the salsa a few hours before serving. However, for the best texture and flavor, prepare the avocado salsa just before serving if you can.

What can I serve with the chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. You could also serve it with tortilla chips or over a bed of lettuce if you’re looking to make it lighter.