Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy chicken marinated in fresh lime and cilantro, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant avocado salsa bursting with citrus and herbs. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 44 minutes blends chicken breasts, 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 400 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: 30 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 1.5 lbs chicken breasts in a shallow dish, pour mixture over them, and turn to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to 375°F. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting occasionally with remaining marinade.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 2 diced avocados, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1 tbsp lime juice (reserved from step 1), 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1/4 tsp cumin. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with avocado salsa on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 44 minutes (30 min prep + 14 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cilantro-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 Cilantro-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 Cilantro-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 Cilantro-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.

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