Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

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

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 blends chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder 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 320 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Chipotle-Lime 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 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.

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