Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a vibrant avocado salsa seasoned with fresh lime and smoky chipotle. This mexican-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 27 minutes blends olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and rub both sides with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove from heat and let rest.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, dice 1 medium ripe avocado, quarter 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, finely dice 2 tbsp red onion, and combine in a bowl with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 tsp chipotle powder, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Gently toss until well mixed.
  4. Step 4: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve topped with the spiced avocado salsa, enjoying the contrast of warm chicken and cool, zesty salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced 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.

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