Description
Juicy, smoky, lime-infused chicken topped with a fresh avocado salsa bursting with corn, peppers, and cilantro—ready in under 30 minutes plus marinating time.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cumin (divided)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 ripe but firm avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup fresh corn kernels
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (seeds adjusted to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (for salsa)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for salsa)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, chipotle chili powder, brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Rub evenly over chicken breasts and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 8 hours in the fridge.
- Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium heat (375–450°F). Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Stovetop Method: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 3–5 minutes undisturbed on first side, flip, cover, and cook 5–7 minutes more.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, corn, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, remaining 1/2 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper. Chill 30 minutes to 24 hours.
- Just before serving, gently fold avocado into salsa.
- Slice chicken and top generously with avocado salsa.
Notes
- For extra heat, use serrano pepper or increase chipotle chili powder.
- Try mango or pineapple in the salsa for a tropical twist.
- Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or grilled tofu.
- Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Add avocado to salsa last to prevent browning.