Best Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Make the Best Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa, a juicy and flavorful chicken recipe with a zesty lime marinade and fresh avocado topping. This healthy, high-protein meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 ripe avocados diced
- 1 small red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice of 2 fresh limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Extra lime zest optional
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and coat well with the marinade.
- Let marinate for 15–30 minutes if time allows.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Spoon avocado salsa over chicken and serve.
Notes
- Marinating enhances flavor, even for a short time.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Use ripe avocados for best texture.
- Prepare avocado salsa fresh to avoid browning.