Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a smoky jalapeño lime sauce, topped with fresh avocado salsa bursting with bright flavors. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends seeded and chopped jalapeños, fresh lime juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a blender or food processor, combine 2 seeded and chopped jalapeños, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp salt. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large zip-top bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken has nice char marks.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 2 diced ripe avocados, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Gently toss to make avocado salsa.
  5. Step 5: Serve grilled chicken breasts topped generously with avocado salsa alongside lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Jalapeño and Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa?

Mexican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes