Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus-Avocado Salsa
Pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a refreshing citrus-avocado salsa that adds bright, creamy notes. This caribbean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper 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 380 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
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium, segmented grapefruit
- 1 medium, diced ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 small, finely minced jalapeño
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove chicken to a plate and let rest.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1 medium segmented grapefruit, 1 diced ripe avocado, 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/2 minced small jalapeño. Gently toss to mix and season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Slice the rested chicken and serve topped with the citrus-avocado salsa, garnishing with extra cilantro if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus-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 Citrus-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 Citrus-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 Citrus-Avocado 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Citrus-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.
