A delightful dish that everyone will love is Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa. This recipe features succulent grilled chicken infused with a zesty chili-lime glaze, topped with creamy avocado and a vibrant red onion salsa. Perfect for any occasion, this meal is fresh, healthy, and bursting with flavor. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of Flavor: The combination of chili and lime creates a bright and exciting taste profile.
- Quick to Prepare: In just 30 minutes, you can serve up this delicious meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats from the avocado, this dish is nutritious as well as tasty.
- Easily Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeño or experimenting with different toppings.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill or grill pan: Provides the perfect sear and smoky flavor to your chicken.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for marinating the chicken evenly.
- Knife and cutting board: Makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Red Onion Salsa:
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño (optional), finely chopped
- Juice of lime
- Salt to taste
Other:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How to Make Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breast thoroughly in this mixture. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes; if time permits, marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Salsa
In another bowl, mix together sliced red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), and salt. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Assemble the Plate
Place your sliced grilled chicken on a serving plate. Generously top it with the prepared red onion salsa and arrange slices of avocado around it. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired.
Step 5: Serve Fresh
Serve your Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken immediately. It’s delicious on its own but can also be paired perfectly with rice, warm tortillas, or a crisp salad for added freshness. Enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
Serving your Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa is all about enhancing its vibrant flavors. Here are some creative ideas to make your meal even more enjoyable.
On a Bed of Greens
- Fresh Spinach: Place the grilled chicken on a bed of fresh spinach for a nutritious boost.
- Arugula: Use peppery arugula to add a spicy kick that complements the chicken’s zest.
With Tortillas
- Corn Tortillas: Serve the chicken in warm corn tortillas for a delightful taco experience.
- Whole Wheat Tortillas: Opt for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
Accompanied by Rice
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: Pair with fluffy cilantro-lime rice for an extra burst of flavor.
- Coconut Rice: Try coconut rice for a sweet and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
As Part of a Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss together mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber as a refreshing side.
- Quinoa Salad: Serve with a quinoa salad featuring black beans and corn for added protein.
How to Perfect Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
To elevate your Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken, consider these straightforward tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.
- Marinate Longer: Allow the chicken to marinate overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure perfect cooking by using a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F (75°C).
- Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill hot enough before cooking; this helps achieve those perfect grill marks.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy; about 5-10 minutes is ideal.
- Customize the Spice: Adjust chili powder based on your heat preference; try adding cayenne for an extra kick!
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh lime juice and ripe avocados for the best taste in your salsa.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some great options:
- Mexican Street Corn: Sweet corn on the cob topped with lime, cheese, and spices offers a delightful crunch.
- Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness; serve with tortilla chips or alongside the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like bell peppers and zucchini create a colorful plate.
- Cilantro Lime Quinoa: A healthy grain option that adds texture and flavor while keeping things light.
- Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo brings additional zestiness; it’s an easy side that pairs perfectly with any dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in less flavor. Always give it at least 15 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using old ingredients can affect taste and texture. Always choose fresh lime, cilantro, and ripe avocados for the best outcome.
Not Letting the Salsa Sit: Immediately serving salsa can miss out on flavor development. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Forgetting to Garnish: Skipping the garnish makes the dish less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds color and enhances presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chicken and salsa in airtight containers.
- Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
- Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Salsa is best enjoyed fresh and should be consumed within a couple of days.
Reheating Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat chicken for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa.
Can I use other types of meat?
You can substitute chicken with turkey or beef if preferred. The marinade works well with various meats!
What should I serve with Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
How can I customize the salsa?
Feel free to add diced mango or corn for sweetness and texture variations!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The chicken and salsa store well, making this an excellent option for weekly meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa is not just delicious but incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite toppings or sides. Whether for lunch or dinner, this dish promises fresh flavors that will satisfy any palate. Give it a try today!
Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa
Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken with Avocado & Red Onion Salsa is a fresh and zesty dish that bursts with flavor, perfect for any meal occasion. The succulent chicken is marinated in a vibrant chili-lime blend, grilled to perfection, and topped with a creamy avocado and tangy red onion salsa. This recipe is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also highly versatile, allowing you to enjoy it on its own or with sides like rice or tortillas. Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is an ideal choice for anyone seeking a nutritious yet delicious meal that satisfies all palates.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Jalapeño (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by combining olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken thoroughly and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- In another bowl, mix together the sliced red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño (if using), and salt to create the salsa. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Slice the grilled chicken and serve it topped with the salsa and avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Adjust spice levels by adding more jalapeño or other toppings as desired.