Print

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews

Fiesta Lime Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken breasts rubbed with a zesty blend of lime, chili powder, and spices, then cooked either on the stovetop or grilled to juicy perfection. Served with a refreshing avocado salsa packed with fresh corn, tomatoes, bell pepper, and jalapeno, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors that’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive summer meal.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Prepare Chicken Rub: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, brown sugar, salt, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chipotle chili powder (if using), and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. For best flavor, let the chicken marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 8 hours. If refrigerated, bring chicken to room temperature before cooking.
  2. Avocado Salsa Preparation: While the chicken marinates, combine cherry tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes), fresh corn kernels, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno (seeds optionally reserved for heat control), cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Cover and chill for 30 minutes to 24 hours. Just before serving, gently fold in chopped avocados and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Stovetop Cooking: If using the stovetop method, preheat and grease an indoor grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until nicely browned or blackened on one side. Flip the chicken, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Optionally garnish with extra fresh lime juice.
  4. Grilling Option: For grilling, preheat and grease the grill to medium heat (375-450°F). Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked to 165°F internal temperature. Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Serve: Slice the rested chicken and serve topped or alongside the chilled avocado salsa for a vibrant and delicious meal.

Notes

  • Marinating chicken enhances flavor and tenderness; refrigerate up to 8 hours if time allows.
  • Adjust chipotle chili powder and jalapeno seeds to control the heat level to your preference.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking allows juices to redistribute for juicier meat.
  • If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen corn can be used after thawing.
  • This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: Fiesta Lime Chicken, grilled chicken, avocado salsa, lime chicken recipe, Mexican chicken, healthy chicken recipe, spicy chicken, summer chicken dish

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/fiesta-lime-chicken-recipe/