Fiesta Lime Chicken With Avocado (Printable)
Zesty grilled chicken marinated in lime and spices, topped with avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.
# What goes in:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 limes, juiced (plus 1 additional lime for garnish)
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon honey
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1 teaspoon paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Topping & Garnishes
11 - 1 large avocado, diced
12 - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese (optional)
16 - Lime wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until fully blended.
02 - Transfer chicken breasts to a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over top. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
03 - Set grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Place on grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
05 - In a small bowl, gently combine diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Season lightly with salt and toss to mix.
06 - If preferred, sprinkle shredded cheese over chicken during the last 2 minutes of grilling, allowing it to soften and melt.
07 - Place grilled chicken on plates. Spoon avocado mixture onto each piece and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges as needed.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Your grill will thank you for the zesty marinade that keeps the chicken juicy and full of zing.
- It wins every time you need a quick weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration without much fuss.
02 -
- Walking away from the grill in the last few minutes is asking for dried out chicken—give it your full attention here.
- Letting the chicken rest for a few moments before slicing keeps it unbelievably juicy; impatience has always made mine lose its flavor.
03 -
- Bringing the chicken to room temperature before grilling helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Tossing the avocado with a tiny squeeze of lime keeps it green and bright even if it's on the table a little longer.