Description
This Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa is a fresh, vibrant, and flavor-packed dish featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts or thighs topped with a bright and zesty avocado salsa made with lime, tomatoes, cilantro, and red onion. Perfect as a healthy summer dinner or an easy meal prep option, it’s quick to prepare and cooks to tender perfection on the grill.
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and fresh lime juice to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs evenly with the marinade. Let them rest for 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400–450°F, ensuring it’s hot enough to sear the chicken properly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and enhances tenderness.
- Prepare the Avocado Salsa: In a bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, chopped cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped fresh cilantro, fresh lime juice, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix carefully to keep the avocado chunks intact.
- Serve: Spoon the avocado salsa generously over the grilled chicken and serve immediately for the best flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful than breasts, but both work well.
- For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeño to the avocado salsa.
- The avocado salsa is best served fresh and on the same day to avoid browning.
- This dish pairs excellently with rice, quinoa, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex Inspired
