Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Avocado and Cilantro Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-22 · Updated 2026-04-22

Juicy chicken thighs seared until golden, served with a vibrant avocado salsa featuring fresh cilantro and lime. This american-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends (bone-in, skin-on) chicken thighs, medium avocado, chopped cilantro 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 375 calories and feeds 2, 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

• 12 oz (bone-in, skin-on) chicken thighs
• 1 medium avocado
• 2 tbsp, chopped cilantro
• 2 tbsp, finely diced red onion
• 1/2 medium lime
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp avocado oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F). Add chicken skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown.
3. Step 3: Flip thighs and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, dice avocado and mix with 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp finely diced red onion, juice of 1/2 lime, and 1 tsp olive oil.
5. Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet, rest for 5 minutes, then serve with avocado salsa.