Name: Fiesta Lime Chicken
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime); Lime zest from 1 lime; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon brown sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat); 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 medium avocados (ripe but firm, chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (or 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped); Fresh corn from 1 ear sweet corn; 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion; 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped); 1 jalapeno pepper (diced, seeds separated); 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro; 1 garlic clove (minced or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder); 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or more to taste)

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why make this recipe

Fiesta Lime Chicken is a vibrant dish that brings a taste of the tropics right to your dinner table. With its zesty lime flavor, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you crave something bright and fresh. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delicious citrus kick, while the accompanying avocado salsa adds creaminess and crunch. It’s not only tasty but also healthy. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or outdoor grilling.

how to make Fiesta Lime Chicken

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
Lime zest from 1 lime
1 tsp EACH chili powder, brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
1-4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 medium avocados (ripe but firm, chopped)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered (OR 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped)
Fresh corn from 1 ear sweet corn
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 jalapeno pepper (diced, seeds separated)
2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
1 garlic clove (minced or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 tsp EACH ground cumin, salt
1/8 tsp pepper (or more to taste)

Directions

For Stovetop Directions:

In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, and all the spices.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the avocado salsa.

For Grilling Directions:

Marinate the chicken as mentioned above.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

For Avocado Salsa:

In a bowl, combine chopped avocados, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently and set aside until ready to serve.

how to serve Fiesta Lime Chicken

Serve the Fiesta Lime Chicken hot from the skillet or grill, topped with a generous scoop of avocado salsa. Pair it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos!

how to store Fiesta Lime Chicken

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The avocado salsa can also be stored, but it’s best eaten fresh. If storing, you may want to add a bit of lime juice to the salsa to help prevent browning.

tips to make Fiesta Lime Chicken

Pounding the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly.
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight.
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness, aiming for 165°F (75°C).

variation

If you want to make this dish even more colorful, you can add diced bell peppers or substitute the avocados with other fresh toppings like mango or pineapple salsa. For a smokier flavor, consider adding some smoked chipotle sauce to the marinade.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?
It’s best to make the salsa fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and mix them just before serving to keep them fresh.

3. What can I serve with Fiesta Lime Chicken?
You can serve it with rice, tortillas, salad, or enjoy it in tacos or burritos for a fun twist!