Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe with Avocado

This Fiesta Lime Chicken is “5 stars!,” “Wow, wow, wow” and “SO GOOD” according to readers! It’s easy, bright, healthy and bursting with flavor, complete with crunchy, creamy Avocado Corn Salsa. Serve this recipe simply with Cilantro Lime Rice or I’ve included TONS of ideas from tacos, to burritos, to quesadillas and more!

fiesta lime chicken on a white plate with avocado salsa


 

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Tangy, robust Fiesta Lime Chicken + Avocado Salsa is summer on a plate.  It’s the winning combo to beat the heat and delectable all-year-round.  Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • HEALTHY YET SATISFYING. Every bite is a chili lime juicy fiesta packed with fresh ingredients that are hearty, crunchy, creamy, refreshing and healthy. It’s one of the most rewarding nutritious combos you can indulge in guilt free that will keep you satisfied for hours. 
  • INTOXICATING WET RUB.  The chili lime rub is made with a quick whisking of olive oil, fiesta spices and lime juice, then slathered all over your chicken to drink up the rainbow of spices.
  • QUICK FLAVOR. After you coat your chicken, simply let it rest while you prepare the rest of your meal.  You will be AMAZED at the juicy, tender punch of flavor delivered after just 30 minutes!
  • AVOCADO CORN SALSA. This Fiesta Lime Chicken is fabulous all on its own but then comes exponentially more delicious with the addition of the vibrant Avocado Corn Salsa. It’s a match made in heaven, delivered on your plate.
  • PANTRY FRIENDLY CHICKEN. The Fiesta Lime Chicken uses pantry friendly ingredients so you can make it at a moment’s notice AKA the perfect last minute or weeknight dinner! 
a piece of fiesta lime chicken on a white plate
ingredient icon

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe Ingredients

This Fiesta Lime Chicken gets its fantastic flavor from a chili lime wet rub.  It is incredibly versatile and works well with any cuts: breast, thighs, legs, and even wings. I find a wet rub concentrates the flavors for even more robust, fiestalicious chicken in just 30 minutes! (Measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.) 

  • Chicken: I use chicken breasts to keep this Fiesta Lime Chicken as lean as possible but you are welcome to use chicken thighs as well.  I also love the taste of chicken thighs as they are inherently juicier and harder to overcook.  If you use chicken thighs, be aware they take less time to cook.
  • Limes: you’ll need fresh lime juice and zest of one lime.
  • Olive oil: you’ll need two tablespoons olive oil or other cooking oil.
  • Seasoningschili powder, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper combine to create a dynamic robust, earthy blend to balance the tangy lime.
  • Brown sugar: you’ll need just one teaspoon to balance the lime juice and earthy seasonings. 
showing how to make fiesta lime chicken by coating chicken in wet rub in a bowl

HOW TO MAKE FIESTA LIME CHICKEN

Let’s take a closer look at how easy this Fiesta Lime Chicken recipe is to make! (Full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

STEP 1:  Pound chicken to an even thickness

  • Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly. If you don’t pound your chicken it will be thick on one side and thin on the other; the thin side will become overcooked and dry by the time the thick side is cooked. 
  • Pounding the chicken also breaks down the fibers and tenderizes the chicken.
  • Place chicken in between two pieces of plastic wrap or I like to place my chicken in a large freezer size bag. 
  • If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use the side of a can to pound the chicken. 

STEP 2:  MAKE WET RUB

  • The best chicken always starts with some sort of marinade or wet rub.  It not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with tons of flavor – no more boring chicken! 
  • And bonus, by “marinating” the chicken, all the work to create a flavorful bite is already done for you when it’s time to eat – all you have to do is cook the Fiesta Lime Chicken and devour!
  • The wet rub is super simple to make: combine olive oil, lime juice, lime zest and seasonings.
showing how to make fiesta lime chicken by adding olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, etc to a bowl
showing how to make fiesta lime chicken by whisking marinade ingredients together

STEP 3:  Marinate Chicken

  • Rub wet rub all over chicken.  You can do this with a brush, or I just dip the chicken in the bowl with the wet rub and massage it evenly all over the chicken.
  • Marinate chicken at room temperature for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
showing how to make fiesta lime chicken by adding wet rub to chicken
showing how to make fiesta lime chicken by marinating chicken

STEP 4:  Cook chicken

You can cook the Fiesta Lime Chicken on the stove or the grill so you can make this explosion of fresh flavor year-round.   In both cases, you will want to let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes so it cooks evenly.

Fiesta Lime Chicken Recipe Tips

Fiesta Lime Chicken is super easy to make but here are a few tips and tricks to ensure the BEST chicken every time:

  • Use even chicken breasts. Pounding chicken to an even thickness is paramount to evenly cooked, juicy chicken and it also helps the marinade penetrate throughout. 
  • Half chicken breasts.  If your chicken breasts are extra thick then cut through the equator to create fillets.
  • Grease grill or pan.  If using a grill pan, use paper towels or a brush to coat it in oil; if using a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil before adding chicken.  For the grill, generously grease the CLEAN grill with a high smoking oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil or peanut oil. I just use a wad of paper towels to grease the grill.  NEVER use spray oils once the grill is on.
  • Don’t marinate chicken longer than 8 hours.  Due to the lime juice in the wet rub, you don’t want to marinate the chicken longer than 8 hours or it can become either tough or mushy.  I have found this chicken to be super flavorful even with a 30-minute marinating time.
  • Bring chicken to room temperature before cooking.  You always want to let any protein sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking (and larger cuts even longer).  The logic is that room temperature chicken will cook faster if started at a higher temperature which means the outside is less likely to overcook and less time for moisture to be released while cooking.  It also cooks more evenly and you aren’t left with an overcooked exterior and cold interior. 
  • Clean grill. You should clean your grill grates before and after grilling with a wire grill brush to remove any residue. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • Heat grill.  Heat up the grill with the lid closed cranked to the maximum temperature so it can achieve temperature more quickly; plan on 10-15 minutes.  Once the grill is hot, you can adjust the temperature.  Don’t add the chicken until the grill reaches temperature or it won’t sear as nicely.
  • Don’t overcook fiesta lime chicken.  Chicken breasts are a lean cut of meat so take special care not to overcook or they will dry out. If the Fiesta Lime Chicken starts to char too much before it is done, you can turn the heat down or move to indirect heat.  
  • Use a meat thermometer.  The only way to ensure the correct temperature of your chicken so it’s perfectly juicy and not overcooked or undercooked (without slicing it and losing valuable juices) is to use a meat thermometer. Thermometers are a small investment and come in handy ALL the time and eliminate all of the guess-work.  Cook chicken just to 165 degrees F.
  • Let chicken rest.  Always let chicken rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.  This allows the juices that have be pushed to the outside of the chicken while cooking to be redistributed evenly throughout the chicken.
  • Customize heat. You can customize the heat of the Fiesta Lime Chicken by adding more or less chipotle powder.  You can customize the heat of the Avocado Corn Salsa by adding additional seeds if you want it spicier.
  • Grill corn. If you want to add a complex, smoky flavor to your Avocado Salsa, you can char your corn like I do in my corn salsa recipe by: 1) brushing corn with olive oil and grilling for 2-3 minutes on each side with the lid closed between rotating or 2) cut the kernels off of the cob and cook with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron skillet until charred, 5-7 minutes.
  • Use ripe yet firm avocados.  You want the avocados on the firmer side of ripe so they are flavorful but don’t turn to mush when you toss them with the salsa ingredients.
  • Adjust salsa to taste. Keeping in mind the Fiesta Lime Chicken has a lot of flavor, when tasting the salsa. Add additional lime juice for tangier, salt for more flavor, jalapeno for spicier (and more flavor). 
a piece of fiesta lime chicken applebee's on a white plate

What to Serve with Fiesta Lime Chicken

Fiesta Lime Chicken doesn’t need much to make it an entire meal; just some rice and fruit will do the trick.  Here are some of our favorite pairings: 

WHat else CAn I MAKE WITH FIESTA LIME CHICKEN?

Fiesta Lime Chicken is fabulous in its simplicity or it is magical in its versatility.  You can make SO many Mexican favorites with this chicken and avocado salsa.  Here’s just a few: 

  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Tacos: Layer tortillas with cheese and melt in the microwave or oven. Top with black or pinto beans, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Avocado Salsa and desired toppings such as sour cream, cotija cheese and hot sauce.
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Salad: Add lettuce, black beans, Fiesta Lime Chicken, tomatoes, corn, peppers (or Avocado Salsa), cheese (pepper Jack, Mexican Cheese blend or cotija), pepitas or sunflower seeds to large bowl. Serve with Tomatillo Avocado Ranch or Cilantro Lime Dressing.
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Burritos: Layer a burrito size tortilla with plain rice, cilantro lime rice or Mexican Rice, black or pinto beans, cheese, Fiesta Lime  Chicken, sour cream, guacamole and lettuce.  Serve with additional sour cream and either avocado salsa, pico de gallo or homemade salsa.
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Burrito Bowls: Layer cilantro lime rice with cheese, black beans or pinto beans, Fiesta Lime Chicken, chopped lettuce, and your favorite toppings including crushed tortilla chips and either sour cream/Greek yogurt or I highly recommend either Avocado Crema, Tomatillo Avocado Ranch or Cilantro Lime Dressing.
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Enchiladas:  Fill tortillas with layers of cheese and chicken and a generous amount of sour cream. Roll up and place in a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with red or green enchilada sauce and cheese and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees F.  Serve with Avocado Salsa.
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Quesadillas:  Layer a burrito size tortilla with Mexican cheese and Fiesta Lime Chicken and grill until golden, cheesy perfection.  Top with Avocado Salsa and serve with your favs of sour cream, chopped lettuce, hot sauce, etc.
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Nachos:  Pile thick restaurant style tortilla chips with cheese and beans and bake.  Top with chicken, avocado salsa and toppings such as jalapenos, sour cream, hot sauce etc.
  • Fiesta Lime Chicken Fajitas:  To the same skillet you cooked your chicken in (don’t wipe out), heat one tablespoon olive oil.  Heat over medium high heat then add thinly sliced onions and saute 2 minutes.  Add sliced bell peppers and sauté until crisp tender, another 2 minutes. Pile sliced chicken, peppers/onions in a tortilla and top with avocado salsa, sour cream, lime juice and cilantro.
top view of a tossing avocado corn tomato salsa

fiesta lime chicken applebee’s

While this Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa is fresh perfection, you can also use the chicken recipe to create AppleBee’s Fiesta Lime Chicken when you’re in the mood for some cheesy glory.

To make Fiesta Lime Chicken Applebee’s:

  • Prepare Chicken according to directions.
  • Top each chicken breast with a tablespoon or so of Cilantro Lime Ranch followed by a slice of cheese the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Serve on a bed of crispy strips with Mexican rice and top with pico de gallo.
top view of three pieces of fiesta lime chicken on a white plate

More like this Avocado Salsa Chicken Recipe:

up close of fiesta lime chicken

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How to Make Fiesta Lime Chicken

Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa is easy, bright, healthy and bursting with flavor! The chicken is bathed in aromatic Mexican spices spiked with olive oil, lime juice and lime zest for a vibrant, tangy, chicken recipe worthy of a fiesta! Depending on your time, you can cook the chicken after just 30 minutes or marinate for longer – then it’s just a quick cook and you get to enjoy an effortless dinner! The Fiesta Lime Chicken is complimented by bright, creamy, crunchy Avocado Salsa to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture in each bite. In addition to serving this Fiesta Lime chicken with avocado salsa, I’ve also included TONS of ideas from tacos, to burritos, to quesadillas, and on and on.
Servings: 4 servings
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness

Fiesta Lime Rub

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablesoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • Lime zest from 1 lime
  • 1 tsp EACH chili powder, brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tsp EACH ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder
  • 1-4-1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder optional for more heat
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Avocado Salsa

  • 2 medium avocados ripe but firm chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered OR 2 Roma tomatoes seeded, chopped
  • fresh corn from 1 ear sweet corn
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 jalapeno pepper diced, seeds separated
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 garlic clove, minced or ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp EACH ground cumin, salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper or more to taste

Instructions

Fiesta Lime Chicken

  • In a small bowl, whisk chicken rub ingredients together and rub evenly all over chicken breasts. Timer permitting, allow chicken to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate up to 8 hours then bring to room temperature for before cooking.* Prepare Avocado Salsa during this time (instructions below).

STOVETOP DIRECTIONS

  • If chicken has been refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (time permitting).
  • Grease and heat an indoor grill pan or skillet over medium high heat. Once very hot, add chicken and cook, undisturbed for 3-5 minutes, or until nicely browned (or blackened if you prefer) on one side.
  • Turn chicken over, cover, and reduce heat to medium. Cook for approximately 5-7 more minutes (depending on thickness of chicken), or until chicken is cooked through. Remove to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra fresh lime juice if desired.

GRILLING DIRECTIONS

  • If chicken has been refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (time permitting).
  • Meanwhile, grease and preheat the grill to medium heat, 375-450°F.
  • Grill chicken undisturbed for for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F.)
  • Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Avocado Salsa

  • Toss all of the ingredients except for the avocados in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes up to 24 hours.
  • When ready to serve, gently fold in avocados. Taste and add additional salt, pepper and add desired amount of jalapeno seeds for more heat (optional).

Notes

*Chicken is still delicious even if cooked immediately but is more flavorful the longer the rub marinates.  If you have extra large chicken breasts, slice them through the equator to create fillets.

STORAGE:

I recommend serving your Avocado Salsa right away and not assembling in advance because the avocados will gradually turn brown.  If you need to store leftovers, then store in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface of the salsa.  This will help decrease the speed at which the avocados brown due to oxidation.   When properly stored in the refrigerator, Avocado Salsa will last for 1 to 2 days.
If you’re salsa is turning brown before you can get to it, this doesn’t mean it’s gone bad, it just means it’s oxidizing.  You can still eat it or you can add it all to a blender and create a salad dressing or dip.

PREP AHEAD:  

While the Fiesta Lime chicken is marinating, you can prep the Avocado Salsa without the avocados.   Combine everything BUT the avocados in a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.   When ready to serve, simply chop your avocados and gently stir in.
 

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32 Comments

  1. Jamie says

    I knew I wanted to make this as soon as I got your email- it did not disappoint! I served it with Cilantro Lime Rice and your Pina Colada Fruit Salad. 5 stars!

    • Jen says

      That’s awesome you made it already, I’m thrilled it was a 5-star hit, thanks Jamie! Your entire meal sounds fabulous!

  2. Sippie says

    All the recipes I tried so far have been wonderful

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much Sippie, that means so much to me! xo

  3. Sabrina says

    really love these flavors, thank you, I’m in for almost anything avocado and a salsa is even better

    • Jen says

      You’re so welcome! And I agree – I could eat this combo everyday!

  4. LW says

    LOVED LOVED LOVED this amazing fiesta chicken platter!!! The wonderful blend of flavors was perfect. Kids couldnt get enough! Thanks for an awsome recipe. Will be making again and again. Served with cilantro rice.

    • Jen says

      YAY! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, I’m so happy it was a hit with the entire family!

  5. Daniel says

    So so so good! Made this for the family and everyone was raving! Just amazing!!!

    • Jen says

      YAY! I love hearing that, thank you so much Daniel!

      • Rebecca D says

        This marinade is so flavorful. Thank you for sharing!

        • Jen says

          Thank you, Rebecca! I am so glad it did not disappoint – YAY!

  6. Lynn says

    If I could give this 10 stars I would!!! I don’t usually leave reviews, but just had to with this recipe. I didn’t have any fresh corn for the salsa so I roasted frozen corn with a little olive oil and chipotle chilli powder. Still turned out amazing! I paired it with the cilantro lime rice and a glass of white wine and it felt like we were eating at a fancy restaurant. Definitely going to be a weekly staple.

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much for your glowing review Lynn! I’m thrilled you loved it so much and your whole meal sounds amazing!

  7. K Johnson says

    Excellent recipe! Love the flavors and taste!

  8. Natalia says

    I prepared the fiesta lime chicken tonight. Wow, wow, wow. It is SO GOOD. The chicken marinade is fantastic and the advocado salsa is super yummy. I absolutely love your recipes. And I also love your kindness and personality.

    • Jen says

      Thank you for making my day Natalia, what a thoughtful comment! I’m so pleased you loved this recipe as well!

  9. Jan says

    I made this tonight my husband and I loved it. I will be making it again. For us and guests. Great flavor. I am now following her now. Thank you for a great dinner.

    • Jen says

      Welcome to my site Jan and thanks for following along! I’m so pleased you loved this recipe!

  10. Kat says

    What is the calorie count for this recipe?

  11. Janelle Lim says

    Would you mind sharing what brand your grill plan is?

    • Jen says

      No problem, it is a Le Creuset. Enjoy!

  12. Tara says

    This was really good and really easy. Loved the salsa. Didn’t use the jalapeño- didn’t have it. Thank you!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much, Tara! I am so happy you loved the salsa!

  13. Susan says

    This was fabulous. I used some frozen fire roasted corn from Trader Joe’s. We served lemon rice pilaf and some tropical margarita’s. Fun night!

    • Jen says

      I’m so glad you loved it, your meal sounds delicious!

  14. Ann says

    I made this for my family tonight and it was delicious. Everyone gave it a thumbs up!

    • Jen says

      Thank you so much, Ann, I am thrilled this was a hit with everyone! Thanks for the awesome review!

  15. Marilyn says

    This was so good. My husband took one bite, and said this a keeper. Followed the recipe as written.

    • Jen says

      Yay! Thank you so much, Marilyn! I am so happy this is a keeper!