Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Avocado and Tomato Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in a zesty citrus blend and grilled to perfection, paired with a refreshing avocado and tomato salad. This latin american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh squeezed orange juice, fresh squeezed lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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. 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 Latin American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill 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 juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1 diced large avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a medium bowl.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle the salad with 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle 1 tsp lime zest over it; toss gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve grilled chicken breasts topped or alongside the fresh avocado and tomato salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Avocado and Tomato Salad take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Avocado and Tomato Salad?

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 squeezed orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Avocado and Tomato Salad?

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 Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Avocado and Tomato Salad 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken with Avocado and Tomato Salad?

Latin American 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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