Zesty Lime & Cilantro Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Juicy chicken marinated in zesty lime juice and aromatic cilantro, paired with creamy avocado salsa, embodies the best of summer cooking.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper (for salsa) to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This will be your marinade.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Meanwhile, prepare the avocado salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, tomato, red onion, and jalapeño (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine and set aside.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.
- Slice the grilled chicken and serve it warm, topped with the refreshing avocado salsa. Enjoy!
Notes
Don't skip the marination: For the best flavor, let your chicken marinate longer if time permits.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and ripe avocados make a noticeable difference in taste. Quality ingredients yield the best results.
Medium-high heat is key: This allows for a nice sear on the chicken while keeping it juicy.