Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa

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

Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic blend topped with a fresh avocado and cilantro salsa, perfect for a paleo-friendly meal. This Mediterranean-inspired paleo recipe (gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a paleo week and pairs well with roasted root vegetables or a leafy salad. 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, and 1/2 minced jalapeño in a small bowl. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Step 4: Serve grilled chicken topped with the avocado-cilantro salsa, enjoying the bright, fresh flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Avocado-Cilantro 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Avocado-Cilantro 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Avocado-Cilantro Salsa paleo?

Yes — this recipe is tagged paleo, gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes