Fiesta Lime Chicken Avocado (Printable)
Zesty lime-marinated chicken paired with creamy avocado topping and fresh garnishes for a vibrant Mexican-inspired dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
03 - 2 tsp lime zest
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 ½ tsp chili powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Avocado Topping
11 - 2 ripe avocados, diced
12 - 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
13 - ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1 tbsp lime juice
16 - ¼ tsp salt
→ Garnishes
17 - ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
18 - Lime wedges
19 - Extra fresh cilantro
# How To Make It:
01 - Whisk together lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
02 - Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard excess. Grill or sear for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
03 - While the chicken cooks, combine diced avocados, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Gently toss to combine without mashing the avocado.
04 - Transfer cooked chicken to serving plates. If using cheese, sprinkle it over the hot chicken so it melts slightly.
05 - Top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of the avocado mixture. Finish with lime wedges and extra cilantro. Serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade does double duty, tenderizing the chicken while building layers of flavor you can actually taste
- The cool avocado topping cuts through the heat and makes every bite feel like a celebration
02 -
- Do not marinate the chicken for more than 2 hours or the lime juice will start breaking down the texture too much
- Letting the chicken rest for even two minutes after cooking keeps the juices from running out when you slice it
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before it hits the pan for a much better sear
- Make the avocado topping right before serving because it oxidizes quickly once the avocado is exposed to air