Introduction to Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
When it comes to whipping up a delicious homemade meal, Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is a must-try. This dish perfectly marries the creamy richness of avocado with the zesty kick of chili and lime, creating a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s not just the flavors that stand out; the vibrant colors on your plate will impress anyone you serve it to.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Imagine biting into perfectly grilled chicken with a lively avocado topping that adds freshness and texture. With only 15 minutes of active cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers. Plus, it accommodates a variety of diets, being gluten-free, dairy-free, and even paleo-friendly.
Not to forget, studies have shown that meals high in protein, like this chicken dish, can aid in weight management while keeping you full longer. So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken checks all the boxes: it’s easy, healthy, and oh-so delicious. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a light salad or grilled veggies — ideal for those summer BBQs!
For more delicious recipes, explore resources like EatingWell or Healthline.
Ingredients for Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
When it comes to crafting the perfect Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken, the key lies in choosing the right ingredients. Let’s dive into what you’ll need for this delicious dish that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Chicken + Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Trimmed for the best texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: A great base for your marinade, adding richness without overwhelming flavors.
- ¼ cup lime juice: Bright and zesty, it brings a refreshing kick!
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Provides a herby touch that complements the lime.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Chunky Avocado Topping
Don’t forget about the crown jewel of this dish—the topping! You’ll need:
- 4 ripe avocados: The stars of our show, diced and ready to elevate your chicken.
- Fresh cilantro: About 2 tablespoons, chopped finely.
- 3 teaspoons lime juice: A bit more zest to tie it all together.
- Seasonings: ½ teaspoon salt and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors that truly makes the Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken shine. Why not gather your ingredients and get cooking? A fresh and delightful meal awaits you!
Step-by-step Preparation of Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Cooking is an art, and this Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken recipe is a masterpiece you’ll want to recreate. Each step is simple, ensuring even beginner cooks can pull it off while impressing dinner guests! Let’s dive into the preparation.
Prepare the chicken cutlets
Start by slicing the chicken breasts horizontally. This technique transforms them into thin cutlets, allowing them to cook faster and more evenly. After cutting, you should have around eight beautiful pieces. This not only cuts down on cooking time but also ensures delightful texture in each bite. For those keen on poultry preparation tips, the right cut can make all the difference — check out resources from culinary experts like the Food Network for more insights.
Mix the chili lime marinade
Next, it's time to whip up that zesty chili lime marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Whisk these ingredients together until they’re fully blended. If time allows, let it sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavors even more. This marinade is not just a boost in taste but also works to tenderize the chicken, making it irresistible!
Marinate the chicken
Pop the chicken cutlets into a gallon-sized Ziploc bag along with the marinade. Seal it tight, pressing out any extra air. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least one hour, or up to twelve hours for maximum flavor. This step infuses the chicken with all those vibrant flavors while also keeping it juicy during cooking.
Cook the chicken on the grill or skillet
When you're ready to cook, choose between grilling or sautéing.
For grilling: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Take the marinated cutlets out of the bag and place them directly on the grill. Cook for about 9 to 10 minutes, flipping them only once for those perfect grill marks!
For stovetop cooking: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cutlets and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Cooking thoroughly until the juices run clear is key here.
Make the chunky avocado topping
While the chicken cooks, let's whip up our chunky avocado topping. In a mixing bowl, combine:
- 4 diced avocados
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 3 teaspoons lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Stir gently to keep some texture in the avocados. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary—this topping is the crown jewel of the dish!
Assemble and serve your dish
After the chicken is cooked, plate it up with a generous scoop of your chunky avocado topping on each cutlet. Not only does it look gorgeous, but the fresh flavors from the avocado balance perfectly with the spicy chicken. If you're looking to pair this dish, consider serving it with a side salad or some grilled veggies.
And there you have it! Your Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is now ready to delight your taste buds and impress anyone at your dinner table. Enjoy every single bite!
Variations on Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Add a tropical twist with mango
Elevate your avocado chili lime grilled chicken with a burst of tropical flavor by incorporating fresh mango. Simply dice ripe mango and toss it in with your chunky avocado topping. The sweet juiciness of mango creates a delightful contrast to the zesty marinade. Want a little more texture? Grill the mango slices alongside the chicken for an irresistible caramelized sweetness that complements the dish beautifully.
Spice it up with jalapeños
For those who enjoy a kick, why not add some finely diced jalapeños to your avocado mixture? The heat from jalapeños pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and creamy avocado, making each bite a flavor-packed experience. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice tolerance. A little goes a long way, and it’s an excellent way to customize your avocado chili lime grilled chicken to your taste!
Explore more ways to elevate your grilled chicken with seasonal ingredients and bold flavors!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Grilling chicken can be a breeze with the right approach! Here are some handy tips to ensure your Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken turns out perfectly:
-
Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate your chicken for at least one hour, but if you have time, let it soak overnight! This allows the spices to infuse deeply.
-
Rest Before Grilling: Take the chicken out of the fridge 20 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook evenly.
-
Don’t Crowd the Grill: Ensure there’s ample space between the chicken cutlets on the grill. This allows for proper searing and those gorgeous grill marks.
For more grilling techniques, check out resources like The Spruce Eats to deepen your culinary skills! Happy grilling!
Serving Suggestions for Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
When it comes to serving your delicious avocado chili lime grilled chicken, think bright and fresh. Pair it with a side of vibrant, Spanish-style rice or a zesty quinoa salad for a well-rounded meal. Adding grilled vegetables like bell peppers or corn adds that perfect crunch and complements the dish’s bold flavors.
For a casual gathering, serve this dish as part of a taco bar—set out warm tortillas, the chunky avocado topping, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, and cheese. With this approach, your guests can personalize their meal. Don't forget to serve with a refreshing beverage, like sparkling water with a splash of lime, to enhance those chili lime notes. Happy grilling!
Time Breakdown for Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Preparation time
Take a quick 5 minutes to slice the chicken and mix up the zesty marinade. It's fast and totally worth it for the flavor boost!
Cooking time
Expect around 10 minutes of grilling or sautéing the chicken. Keep an eye on those cutlets; they cook up quickly!
Total time
In just 1 hour and 15 minutes, including a foolproof 1-hour marinating session, you’ll have delicious Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken ready to impress your friends and family!
Nutritional Facts for Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
When you're digging into a delicious plate of avocado chili lime grilled chicken, you might be curious about what you're fueling your body with. Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown:
Calories
Each serving of this mouthwatering dish contains 357 calories, making it a satisfying choice for a hearty meal without overindulging.
Protein
Packed with 26 grams of protein, this grilled chicken not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer, ideal for a post-workout meal.
Sodium
With 580 milligrams of sodium, this recipe is well-balanced while remaining flavorful. To reduce sodium intake, you can adjust the salt levels to suit your preferences or use a low-sodium soy sauce alternative.
For more insights on healthy eating and delicious recipes, consider checking out the USDA's MyPlate for balanced meal ideas and nutritional guidelines!
FAQs about Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Can I grill the chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can grill the avocado chili lime grilled chicken ahead of time. Just ensure you let the chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes great cold or can be quickly reheated in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.
What are good side dishes to serve with this recipe?
Pair your avocado chili lime grilled chicken with delightful sides like a fresh corn salad, cilantro lime rice, or grilled veggies for a colorful plate. For something lighter, a simple green salad or roasted sweet potatoes also work wonderfully and balance the flavors!
How can I store leftovers of avocado chili lime grilled chicken?
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the chicken cutlets separately from the avocado topping in airtight containers. The chicken can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. The avocado topping is best consumed within 1-2 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
Conclusion on Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
In summary, avocado chili lime grilled chicken offers a delightful blend of flavors that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy every juicy bite topped with creamy avocado goodness—your taste buds will thank you!
Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken
Equipment
- grill
- skillet
- gallon Ziploc bag
Ingredients
Chicken + Chili Lime Marinade
- 2 pounds chicken breasts trimmed, boneless and skinless
- 0.25 cup olive oil extra virgin
- 0.25 cup lime juice
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.75 teaspoon chili powder
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Chunky Avocado Topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
- 3 teaspoons lime juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally. This will give you 8 thin cutlets so they'll cook faster and more evenly.
- Place your chicken cutlets in a gallon Ziploc bag with all ingredients for the Chili Lime Marinade. Seal the bag, squeezing out any excess air. Let the chicken marinate for at least one hour and up to 12 hours.
Grilling Instructions
- Remove each chicken cutlet from the bag and place on a hot grill over medium heat. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until completely cooked through. (For perfect grill marks try to only flip the chicken once.) Grilling time is typically around 9 to 10 minutes total.
Stovetop Instructions
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or another cooking fat to a skillet on the stove. Heat the oil over medium high heat.
- Add each chicken cutlet to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes. Flip your chicken. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip your chicken. Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Finishing Touch
- While chicken is cooking, combine avocado, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl and stir. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- When ready to serve, top each chicken cutlet with the Chunky Avocado Topping.
Leave a Reply