Grilled Citrus-Tarragon Chicken with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in bright citrus and fresh tarragon, served with a creamy avocado salsa bursting with tomatoes and cilantro. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes blends olive oil, chopped fresh tarragon leaves, 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 350 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 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. 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 cooks, combine 1 large diced avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 small minced jalapeño in a bowl. Toss gently to combine without mashing the avocado.
  5. Step 5: Serve the grilled chicken topped with the fresh avocado salsa for a bright, herbaceous finish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Tarragon 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-Tarragon 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-Tarragon 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-Tarragon 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.

What goes well with Grilled Citrus-Tarragon Chicken with Avocado Salsa?

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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