Fiesta Lime Chicken With Avocado (Print Version)
Lime-marinated grilled chicken topped with avocado, tomatoes and cilantro for a bright, easy Tex-Mex main.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken and Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 limes, juiced
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 and 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 - Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
02 - Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
04 - Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
05 - While chicken grills, combine diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Lightly season with salt and toss gently.
06 - If using cheese, sprinkle over chicken during final 2 minutes of grilling to allow melting.
07 - Top grilled chicken with avocado mixture and a squeeze of fresh lime. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges as desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s secretly simple: toss together the marinade, and the grill does the rest while you chat or sip a drink.
- Even picky eaters always wander back for seconds thanks to the juicy chicken and creamy avocado topping.
02 -
- Once, I rushed the marinade and only left it for 5 minutes—big mistake, so let it soak for at least 15.
- Sprinkling salt on the avocado topping at the last minute keeps the flavors bright and the texture fresh.
03 -
- Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing keeps it remarkably juicy.
- If grilling outside, oil the grate well and don’t fuss with the chicken until it releases easily—it means those grill marks are ready.