Ingredients
Chicken Rub
- 1 pound chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- Lime zest from 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional for more heat)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
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 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 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Make the Chicken Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together all chicken rub ingredients including olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powders, spices, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Rub the mixture evenly all over the chicken breasts. For best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 8 hours. Remove from refrigerator and bring to room temperature before cooking.
- Prepare Avocado Salsa: In a large bowl, toss together cherry tomatoes, fresh corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (without seeds), cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and chill from 30 minutes up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, gently fold in the chopped avocados and adjust seasoning and jalapeno seeds for heat as desired.
- Cook the Chicken – Stovetop Method: If refrigerated, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Preheat and grease a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Place the chicken breasts on the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until well browned on one side. Turn the chicken over, cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra fresh lime juice if desired.
- Cook the Chicken – Grilling Method: If refrigerated, let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes. Preheat and grease a grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Grill the chicken breasts undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve alongside or topped with the chilled avocado salsa for a colorful and flavorful Fiesta Lime Chicken meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- You can control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chipotle chili powder in the rub and choosing how many jalapeno seeds to include in the salsa.
- If you do not have fresh corn, canned or frozen corn can be used as a substitute, but fresh corn provides the best texture and sweetness.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking ensures juicier and more tender results.
- This recipe works great for meal prep; simply keep avocado separate until serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican