Grilled Citrus-Sage Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in fresh citrus and sage, topped with a vibrant avocado salsa that balances creamy and tangy flavors. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes blends leaves, chopped fresh sage leaves, orange juice, lemon juice 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 leaves, chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 medium, diced avocado
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro leaves
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 12 chopped fresh sage leaves. Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
- Step 3: While chicken grills, combine 1 diced medium avocado, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 small finely chopped jalapeño, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Gently mix to create the avocado salsa.
- Step 4: Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve topped with the fresh avocado salsa.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Sage 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 Citrus-Sage 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 Citrus-Sage 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 Citrus-Sage 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 Citrus-Sage 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.