Fiesta Lime Chicken With Avocado (Printable)
Lime-marinated grilled chicken finished with fresh avocado, tomato, red onion and cilantro - bright Tex-Mex flavors.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 limes, juiced (plus 1 extra 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 ground 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
# How to Prepare:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until combined.
02 - Arrange chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over, ensuring each piece is well coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 2 hours to enhance flavor.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for even searing.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip away. Grill for 6 to 8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juices run clear; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
05 - While chicken is grilling, gently combine diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro in a mixing bowl. Lightly season with salt and toss to mix.
06 - If using cheese, sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar over the chicken during the last 2 minutes of grilling and allow it to melt.
07 - Transfer chicken to serving plates, top with the prepared avocado mixture, and add a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges as preferred.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The fresh lime and honey marinade creates a punchy flavor combo you won’t get from any bottled sauce.
- It’s a quick dinner that brings the grilled summer vibes even if you’re stuck indoors in February.
02 -
- If the grill isn’t hot enough, the chicken will steam instead of char, so always preheat well.
- Letting the chicken rest for a couple minutes after grilling keeps the juices where they belong.
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating so the flavors soak in and the grill sears instead of steams.
- Marinate a little longer if you have time—2 hours makes a world of difference in taste.