Description
Fiesta Lime Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that will elevate any meal, perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings. Marinated in zesty lime juice and aromatic spices, this chicken dish bursts with flavor and is beautifully complemented by a fresh avocado salsa. Whether served on its own, in tacos, or over salads, Fiesta Lime Chicken is both versatile and satisfying. In just 15 minutes, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also healthy, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or summer barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Lime zest from 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium avocados (chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (quartered) or 2 Roma tomatoes (seeded and chopped)
- Fresh corn from 1 ear sweet corn
- 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 jalapeno pepper (diced, seeds separated)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (if using), and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the pounded chicken breasts to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- In another bowl, combine chopped avocados, cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes), fresh corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Gently toss until everything is mixed well. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Cook each piece for about 5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.
- Once cooked perfectly golden brown on both sides, slice the chicken if desired. Serve alongside a generous portion of avocado salsa on top or on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg