Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
A warm, zesty aroma wafts through the air as you grill succulent chicken marinated in fresh cilantro and tangy lime. The sun shines brightly, creating the perfect weekend atmosphere for this delightful dish. As you bite into that tender chicken topped with creamy avocado salsa, you’re met with a delicious explosion of flavors that reminds you of summer evenings spent with family, laughter, and good food. Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is not just a meal; it’s a celebration, a reminiscence of gatherings filled with joy. Whether you’re making dinner for a busy weeknight or prepping for a fun outdoor BBQ, this dish is sure to be the star of the show.
Table of Contents
Are you ready to impress your loved ones with a dish that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor? Jump in and make this crowd-pleaser today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Irresistible Flavor: Juicy chicken with a tangy punch that’ll dance on your palate.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant colors from the avocado salsa make it table-ready!
- Flexible Serving: Great for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Packed with healthy ingredients, this dish is gluten-free and easily adaptable for other diets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each): Lean protein that helps keep the dish healthy and juicy. If you prefer, chicken thighs can also provide additional flavor.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped): The star of the marinade, offering a vibrant, fresh quality. Substitutions like parsley can work in a pinch but won’t replicate the same punch.
- 2 limes (juiced, about 1/4 cup juice): Provides the necessary acidity and brightness. Freshly squeezed is always best for flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Enhances the marinade while keeping the chicken moist. For a twist, you could use avocado oil instead.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering. Fresh minced garlic works too; just use one clove.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Infuses earthy tones into the chicken. If you don’t have cumin, smoked paprika is an excellent alternative.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing flavors together; feel free to adjust for your personal preference.
- 2 ripe avocados (diced): Creamy texture that complements the chicken perfectly. Use firm avocados that are not overly ripe to avoid mushiness.
- 1 small red onion (diced): Offers a sweet crunch. You can substitute with green onions or yellow onions if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 tomato (diced): Adds freshness and sweetness. Any ripe tomato will do, but cherry tomatoes can also work if you want a sweeter option.
- 1 lime (juiced, for salsa): Freshens up the salsa, ensuring a zesty kick.
- Salt (to taste, for salsa): Enhances the flavors in the salsa; adjust to your liking.
How to Make Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Whisk Together Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well blended and fragrant. This marinade is crucial as it infuses the chicken with delicious flavors while helping to keep it moist during grilling!
Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for more intense flavor. The longer you marinate, the more robust the flavor will be!
Prepare Avocado Salsa: In a separate bowl, gently combine diced avocados, red onion, tomato, lime juice, and a dash of salt. Mix carefully to avoid mashing the avocado. Set the salsa aside — it should be fresh, vibrant, and will add a beautiful contrast to the grilled chicken.
Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F, and let it preheat for at least 10 minutes. A well-heated grill ensures beautiful sear marks and helps keep the chicken from sticking!
Grill Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill, ensuring there’s enough space between each piece to allow even cooking. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes without moving them until they release easily from the grates. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 6 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature registers 165°F on a meat thermometer.
Rest the Chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. Slice against the grain for the best texture.
Serve with Avocado Salsa: Top your grilled chicken generously with the fresh avocado salsa, and don’t forget to garnish with lime wedges and extra cilantro if desired. The vivid colors and fresh aromas will make your mouth water!
Storing & Reheating
You can store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, keep the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, ensure the chicken is airtight and it can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, a quick spin in the microwave or a gentle re-grill will do the trick, though do note that the texture may change slightly.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it moist; use a meat thermometer for precision.
- Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
- Use ripe avocados for the salsa, but ensure they aren’t mushy to avoid a pasty texture.
- Marinating overnight will enhance flavor – it’s worth planning ahead!
- Fresh lime juice is a game-changer in both the marinade and salsa, so skip the bottled stuff if you can.
- Experiment with different herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist on the salsa!
As you savor each bite of Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa, you’ll find that this dish embodies flavorful simplicity and vibrant freshness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard gathering, it invites delicious exploration in the kitchen. Dive into the world of flavors and creativity as you make it your own! Enjoy the nourishment and warmth this dish brings to your table.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are fantastic for this recipe, you can easily swap them for thighs or even chicken tenders. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I pick ripe avocados?
Look for avocados that give slightly when you press them but don’t feel too soft. A good test is to press gently at the stem end; if it yields, it’s ripe and ready to use. If you’re not sure, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of days, and they’ll ripen beautifully!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and let it sit in the fridge for maximum flavor. Just remember to prepare the avocado salsa fresh on the day you plan to serve it, as avocados can brown quickly.
What can I serve with this dish?
This Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa pairs well with a simple side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You could also serve it with a light salad or grilled vegetables to complement the fresh flavors. Enjoy!
More Dinner Recipes
- Healthy Steak Avocado Corn Bowl
- Ground Turkey Egg Roll Bowls
- Easy Healthy Chicken Enchiladas
- Thai Coconut Soup with Chickpeas
- Crockpot Turkey Chili
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📖 Recipe Card
Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Savor the mouthwatering flavors of Healthy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa. Juicy chicken paired with creamy salsa makes for a perfect quick dinner or BBQ hit.
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 to make the marinade.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes in the mixture for best flavor.
- Prepare avocado salsa by combining diced avocados, red onion, tomato, lime juice, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Grill marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve topped with avocado salsa.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it moist; a meat thermometer is recommended.
Fresh lime juice is essential for the best flavor in both the marinade and salsa.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with salsa
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
