Pan-Seared Chipotle Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

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

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared with a smoky chipotle lime marinade, topped with a fresh avocado and tomato salsa. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 37 minutes blends chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder 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 390 calories and feeds 4, 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: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 390 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 3 tbsp fresh lime juice to form a marinade. Rub evenly over 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and let marinate for 20 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F, with a nicely browned exterior.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1 large diced ripe avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve the pan-seared chicken breasts topped with the fresh avocado salsa immediately while warm.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 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 Chipotle Lime 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 Chipotle Lime 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 Chipotle Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chipotle Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa?

Mexican cinco de mayo like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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