Garlic-Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in garlic and lime, served with a fresh avocado and tomato salsa for a bright, smoky flavor. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 diced ripe avocado
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 seeded and minced, optional jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag, pour the marinade over them, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill marks appear.
- Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 minced seeded jalapeño in a small bowl. Mix gently to make the salsa.
- Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken breasts topped with generous spoonfuls of the avocado salsa for a fresh, zesty finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Garlic-Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep fresh lime juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-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 Garlic-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.
Is Garlic-Lime Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The avocado salsa made it so fresh and the chicken was juicy.
- ★★★★★
Easily my new go-to chicken recipe. So flavorful and easy to make for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
My family loved this! The garlic-lime combo is perfect and the avocado salsa is a game-changer.