Pan-Seared Chicken with Avocado Salsa

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

Tender chicken breasts topped with a fresh avocado salsa bursting with lime and cilantro, perfect for a quick keto dinner. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes blends chicken breasts, medium avocado, lime 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 385 calories and feeds 1, 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: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 1 American cuisine 385 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 oz chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, dice 1/2 medium avocado, 1/4 cup red onion, and 2 tbsp fresh cilantro. Squeeze juice from 1/2 lime over mixture, then toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Rest chicken for 3 minutes, then slice diagonally. Serve topped with avocado salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Avocado Salsa low-carb?

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

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