Ready to experience a fiesta of freshness in every bite? This Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is my go-to when I want to wow from grill to table—juicy, zesty chicken paired with an irresistibly creamy avocado salsa that’s loaded with bright flavors. It’s so simple to make but looks (and tastes) like a chef’s masterpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Maximum Flavor, Minimum Effort: The marinade pulls together a punchy blend of citrus and herbs, bringing big flavors with minimal prep time.
- Fresh and Satisfying: The creamy avocado salsa adds a pop of color and refreshing texture that balances the zesty chicken beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile: Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a sunny backyard cookout, this dish disappears fast!
- Naturally Gluten-Free and Healthy: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this meal suits a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is how each everyday ingredient earns its place on the flavor team. Nothing fancy—just simple, vibrant components that build amazing color, freshness, and depth.
- Boneless Chicken Breast: Lean and meaty, chicken breast soaks up every bit of tangy, herby marinade.
- Lime Juice: The key to that zingy brightness from both marinade and salsa—fresh is best for maximum flavor!
- Olive Oil: Helps keep the chicken juicy and allows those flavors to mingle beautifully.
- Fresh Cilantro: This herb is the unmistakable signature in both chicken and salsa—fresh, fragrant, and lively.
- Ground Cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that tucks perfectly behind the citrusy notes.
- Salt: Just enough to make all those flavors pop.
- Avocados: Creamy, rich, and the perfect cool contrast to the warm chicken.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Brings just a hint of tang that makes the avocado salsa sparkle.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle kick—adjust to taste.
- Garlic Clove: Adds an aromatic background to the salsa—raw, it gives a little punch!
Variations
One of the best parts of Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you have special dietary needs or want to mix up the flavors, there’s plenty of room for creativity!
- Swap the Protein: Try using boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a different twist without losing the zesty vibe.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in diced tomatoes, corn, or red onion to the avocado salsa for extra color and crunch.
- Crank Up the Spice: Like it hot? Stir in a chopped jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes to bring some fire.
- Dairy-Lovers’ Topping: Top with crumbled queso fresco or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy, cool finish.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine lime juice, olive oil, fresh cilantro, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until the oil and lime juice blend into a beautifully green, fragrant marinade. The aroma at this stage? Bright, fresh, and absolutely irresistible!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag and pour in your marinade. Massage it gently to coat every surface, then let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Even a quick soak infuses so much flavor—just enough time to prep the salsa.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken for 4–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for those gorgeous grill marks and a juicy interior—once it’s no longer pink, pull it off and let it rest for a couple minutes.
Step 4: Toss the Avocado Salsa
While the chicken chills, gently combine diced avocado, cilantro, lime juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt in a mixing bowl. Toss lightly (don’t mash the avocados!), just until everything looks vibrant and the flavors are mingling.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the warm chicken on a serving platter and generously spoon the avocado salsa right over the top. The combination of zesty, grilled chicken and cool, creamy salsa shines in every bite of Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa!
Pro Tips for Making Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
- Marinate, But Don’t Over-Marinate: The lime juice works fast! Just 15–30 minutes is plenty to keep the chicken tender—longer, and the citrus can actually make it tough.
- Grill Temperature is Key: A hot grill ensures those lovely charred grill marks while keeping the chicken moist inside. Don’t walk away!
- Avocados Last-Minute: Prep the avocado salsa just before serving to prevent browning and keep every bite creamy and fresh.
- Gentle Toss Only: When mixing the salsa, stir lightly—overmixing will turn the avocados mushy and muddy the gorgeous texture.
How to Serve Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of extra chopped cilantro, a scattering of thinly sliced scallions, or a couple of lime wedges take the vibrant color of this dish to the next level. For a festive look, even some finely diced red bell pepper is a beautiful touch!
Side Dishes
This Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa pairs perfectly with fluffy cilantro-lime rice, warm tortillas, grilled veggies, or a big green salad. Black beans or street corn are always a hit for turning it into a full-on feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve each chicken breast sliced and fanned over the salsa for an elegant main course, or dice everything up and load it onto tacos or bowls for a more casual, hands-on experience—great for parties or meal prep!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken separately from the avocado salsa in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken keeps well for up to 3 days; the salsa is best within 24 hours for peak freshness.
Freezing
The grilled cilantro lime chicken freezes beautifully (wrapped well or in a freezer bag) for up to 2 months. I don’t recommend freezing the salsa—avocado tends to turn soggy and brown after thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover chicken in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Add the fresh avocado salsa just before serving to bring back all that creamy, zesty contrast.
FAQs
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Can I cook Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, a stovetop grill pan or cast-iron skillet works great. Just heat it until very hot and cook the marinated chicken as directed—don’t forget to let it rest before adding the salsa!
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How can I keep the avocado in the salsa from browning?
The lime juice in the salsa helps slow browning, but for best results, make and serve the salsa just before eating. If prepping ahead, store with extra lime juice and press plastic wrap directly against the salsa’s surface.
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Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The marinade can be whisked up a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to marinate your chicken. Just give it a quick stir before using.
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Is Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any store-bought add-ons you serve (like tortillas) if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa—every forkful is bursting with color and an explosion of bright, fresh flavor. It’s a recipe that never fails to bring smiles to the table, so grab your avocados, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a little taste of summer any night of the week!
Print
Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The marinated grilled chicken is juicy and tender, complemented by the creamy and zesty avocado salsa.
Ingredients
Cilantro Lime Chicken:
- 1.5 lb. boneless chicken breast
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Avocado Salsa:
- 4 avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, diced
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Cilantro Lime Chicken: To a small bowl, add 1/4 cup of lime juice, olive oil, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk until mixed.
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken on grill and grill each side for 4-6 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink. Remove and let sit.
- Avocado Salsa: To make the avocado salsa, add avocado, fresh cilantro, lime juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic clove, and salt to a small bowl. Gently toss to mix.
- Top Cilantro Lime Chicken with fresh Avocado Salsa.
Add chicken and marinade to a large ziplock bag. Let chicken marinate for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
