Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
A warm, sun-soaked evening is upon us, and the scent of grilled chicken wafts through the air, mingling with the bright notes of fresh cilantro and zesty lime. This Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa not only captivates the senses with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas but also tempts with every juicy bite. It’s the kind of dish that brings back memories of summers spent learning to cook with my grandmother, her laughter mixing with the sizzle of chicken on the grill. Each mouthful conjures images of joyful family gatherings, where the food is shared, and the joy stays long after the meal is over.
Table of Contents
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend BBQ, this chicken marinating in a refreshing blend of cilantro and lime, takes no more than 30 minutes to prep and grill. Adding a heaping scoop of fresh avocado salsa elevates it to an irresistible dish full of flavor and fun. So, dust off that grill and get ready to cook because this delightful recipe is waiting to come to life in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep and another 15 for grilling, you can have dinner ready in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The tangy lime and aromatic cilantro create an explosion of taste that complements the succulent chicken beautifully.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The green of the avocado salsa atop the grilled chicken brings vibrancy to your plate, making it as impressive as it is delicious.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy this dish as a main course or slice it for tacos, salads, or wraps—perfect for any occasion!
- Diet-Friendly Options: It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it great for many dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each): Chicken breasts are lean and provide a great canvas for all those zesty flavors. Feel free to substitute with thighs for a richer taste.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with lime. If you’re not a cilantro lover, parsley makes a fantastic alternative.
- 2 limes (juiced, about 1/4 cup juice): Lemon juice is a suitable substitute if limes aren’t on hand, but nothing quite matches the zesty punch of fresh lime.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This keeps the chicken moist during grilling and serves as a carrier for the flavor. Avocado oil is a great alternative for a different twist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A sprinkle of garlic brings warmth and depth. Fresh minced garlic can also enhance the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This spice delivers a subtle earthiness, adding warmth to your marinade. Ground coriander or smoked paprika could work well as alternatives.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Seasoning enhances all the flavors. Always taste as you go!
- 2 ripe avocados (diced): Avocados bring creaminess to the salsa and healthy fats into the meal. Make sure they’re ripe for the best texture.
- 1 small red onion (diced): The slight bite from red onion brightens the salsa; for a milder flavor, try green onions.
- 1 tomato (diced): Adds juiciness and color to your salsa. Cherry tomatoes are another excellent option for a pop of sweetness.
- 1 lime (juiced, for salsa): A dash of lime juice keeps the salsa fresh and vibrant.
- Salt to taste (for salsa): A touch of salt enhances the flavor of everything, so don’t skip this step!
How to Make Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Whisk Together Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade is the star of flavor for your chicken, so ensure that it’s fully mixed for an even taste.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated. For maximum flavor, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it for up to 24 hours to really let those flavors penetrate.
Prepare the Avocado Salsa: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the salsa by gently combining the diced avocados, red onion, tomato, lime juice, and a sprinkle of salt in a separate bowl. This vibrant mix will add a creamy texture and bright freshness that balances the zesty chicken.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F, for at least 10 minutes. This helps achieve those perfect grill marks and juicy chicken without drying it out.
Grill the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken on the grill, making sure not to overcrowd the grill. You want them to have space to cook evenly, so aim for about 2 inches apart. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes on the first side until it’s beautifully charred.
Finish Grilling: Flip the chicken once and continue grilling for another 6 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer. You’ll know it’s done when the juices run clear, and it smells delicious!
Let it Rest: Once off the grill, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This waiting period ensures that all those tasty juices stay locked in, making each bite tender and juicy.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the sliced chicken topped generously with the prepared avocado salsa. Garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro for an added burst of flavor. Dig in and enjoy every delicious moment!
Storing & Reheating
This Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa can be stored at room temperature for about an hour if needed. If you’d like to refrigerate it, place the chicken in an airtight container where it will last for about 3 to 4 days. The salsa, however, is best enjoyed fresh; store it separately for about a day in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze the grilled chicken wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, checking for juiciness. Just keep in mind that the avocado salsa may change texture, so add a little lime juice right before serving to refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid over-marinating the chicken for too long, as the acidity in the lime can make it mushy.
- Pat the chicken dry before grilling to help achieve those grill marks and seal in the flavor.
- Once cooked, always let meat rest before slicing; this trick ensures moisture stays in the chicken.
- For even more flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños to your avocado salsa for an extra kick.
- If making ahead, store the salsa separately from the chicken to prevent sogginess.
The bright lime and cilantro flavor paired with creamy avocado salsa create a dish that’s not just satisfying but also visually stunning. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, I encourage you to play around with the ingredients, maybe adding some corn for sweetness or black beans for protein. Enjoy every bite, and let this dish remind you that healthy eating can be full of flavor and fun!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat than breasts, making them juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer to reach the right internal temperature.
How can I make this dish even spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, consider marinating the chicken with diced jalapeños, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the marinade. You can also add chopped jalapeños to the avocado salsa for an extra spicy kick.
What can I serve with this dish?
This Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa pairs beautifully with a side of brown rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal. You could even use it as a filling for tacos or burritos for a fun twist!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken the night before and grill it the next day. The salsa is best made fresh, but prepping the ingredients ahead, like dicing the onion and tomato, will save time. Just mix everything together right before serving for the best flavors!
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📖 Recipe Card
Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Enjoy Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa for a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for any occasion, this dish combines grilled chicken with refreshing avocado salsa, bringing vibrant flavors to your table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 limes (juiced, about 1/4 cup juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 ripe avocados (diced)
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 1 tomato (diced)
- 1 lime (juiced, for salsa)
- Salt to taste (for salsa)
Instructions
- Whisk together cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the avocado salsa by combining diced avocados, red onion, tomato, lime juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill the marinated chicken for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until cooked through; internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve chicken topped with avocado salsa and garnish with lime wedges.
Notes
For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours.
Serve the salsa fresh; store separately for best texture.
Ensure the chicken is patted dry before grilling to achieve a good sear.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
