Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Juicy chicken breasts marinated in smoky chipotle and zesty lime, grilled to perfection and topped with a fresh avocado salsa. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder 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 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small seeded and minced jalapeño
- 1 tsp lime zest
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, prepare avocado salsa by dicing 1 large ripe avocado, mixing with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded to reduce heat), and 1 tsp lime zest. Gently toss to combine.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with 1 cup avocado salsa per 4 chicken breasts, adding extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime 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 chipotle chili powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
