Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Introduction:

Transport your taste buds to a fiesta of flavors with our tantalizing Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe. Bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this dish combines tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty lime and savory spices, topped with a refreshing avocado salsa for a mouthwatering culinary experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, weeknight dinner, or simply craving a taste of Tex-Mex cuisine, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating this irresistible dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• For the Fiesta Lime Rub:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
• Lime zest from 1 lime
• 1 tsp each: chili powder, brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 tsp each: ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• For the Avocado Salsa:
• 2 medium avocados, ripe but firm, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered OR 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• Fresh corn from 1 ear of 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 (or 1/4 tsp garlic powder)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/4 tsp each: ground cumin, salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper (or more to taste)

Directions:

Fiesta Lime Chicken:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together Fiesta Lime Rub ingredients. Rub evenly all over chicken breasts. Allow
2. chicken to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 8 hours then bring to room
3. temperature before cooking.
4. Stovetop: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-5
5. minutes, or until browned on one side. Turn, cover, reduce heat to medium and cook for 5-7 minutes
6. more, or until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Grilling: Preheat grill to medium heat, 375-450°F. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked
8. through. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Avocado Salsa:

1. Toss all ingredients except avocados in a large bowl. Chill for 30 minutes up to 24 hours. Before serving,
2. gently fold in avocados. Add additional salt, pepper, and jalapeno seeds for more heat if desired.
3. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10-14 minutes | Total Time: 25-29 minutes + marinating time |
4. Servings: 4

Serving Tips:

1. Garnish for Presentation: Before serving, garnish the Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley for added freshness and a pop of color. This simple touch enhances the presentation of the dish and adds a burst of flavor.
2. Serve with Lime Wedges: Accompany each serving of Fiesta Lime Chicken with a wedge of lime on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the chicken and salsa just before eating enhances the citrusy flavors and adds a refreshing tang.
3. Pair with Side Dishes: Serve Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa alongside complementary side dishes such as Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or grilled vegetables. These sides add variety to the meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience.
4. Family-Style Serving: Consider serving Fiesta Lime Chicken family-style by arranging the grilled chicken on a large platter and placing the avocado salsa in a separate bowl alongside it. Allow guests to help themselves to the chicken and salsa for a casual and interactive dining experience.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Place the chicken in one container and the avocado salsa in another to prevent the salsa from making the chicken soggy.
2. Separate Components: If storing leftovers, it’s best to store the grilled chicken and avocado salsa separately to maintain their freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling too much. This also helps preserve the texture of the chicken and prevents it from becoming overly moist.
3. Reheating: When reheating leftover Fiesta Lime Chicken, gently reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the chicken and dry it out. The avocado salsa should be served cold and not reheated.
4. Use in Other Recipes: If you have leftover Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa, consider using it as a filling for tacos, quesadillas, or wraps. You can also chop up the chicken and add it to salads for a flavorful protein boost.

FAQs:

1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts for this Recipe? Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in Fiesta Lime Chicken. However, keep in mind that chicken thighs may have a slightly different cooking time and texture compared to chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors if I Don’t Have Access to an Outdoor Grill? Yes, you can grill the chicken indoors using a grill pan or an indoor electric grill. Preheat the grill pan or electric grill over medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Make sure to lightly oil the grill surface to prevent sticking.
3. What Can I Substitute for Avocado in the Salsa if I’m Allergic or Don’t Like Avocado? If you’re allergic to avocado or simply don’t enjoy its flavor, you can omit it from the salsa recipe. Alternatively, you can substitute diced mango, pineapple, or cucumber for a fresh and fruity twist. Adjust the other ingredients, such as lime juice and cilantro, to taste.
4. How Spicy is the Avocado Salsa? The level of spiciness in the avocado salsa can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder salsa, you can omit the jalapeño peppers or remove the seeds and membranes before dicing them. Alternatively, if you like it spicy, you can leave the seeds and membranes intact or add additional jalapeños.
5. Can I Make the Avocado Salsa Ahead of Time? While it’s best to prepare the avocado salsa shortly before serving to maintain its freshness and vibrant color, you can make it ahead of time with a few precautions. To prevent the avocado from browning, cover the salsa tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the salsa to minimize air exposure. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 hours before serving, and stir gently before serving to redistribute the flavors.