Grilled Chicken with Salsa
Juicy, perfectly charred grilled chicken breasts topped with a vibrant, fresh avocado and tomato salsa make for a light and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- •4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- •2 tbsp olive oil (30ml)
- •3 tbsp fresh lime juice, divided (45ml)
- •1 tsp chili powder
- •1 tsp ground cumin
- •1/2 tsp garlic powder
- •1 tsp fine sea salt, divided
- •1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- •2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced (about 200g)
- •1 ripe avocado, diced
- •1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (40g)
- •1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely minced
- •1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (15g)
Instructions
- 1
Pound the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper.
- 3
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly, and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- 4
Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) and lightly oil the grates.
- 5
While the grill heats, combine the diced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl; toss gently to combine.
- 6
Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and nice grill marks appear.
- 7
Transfer chicken to a platter and let rest for 5 minutes before spooning the fresh salsa generously over the top to serve.
💡 Chef tips
- Pounding the chicken to a uniform thickness ensures it cooks evenly without drying out the thinner ends.
- Add the diced avocado to the salsa just before serving to prevent it from browning.
- Store leftover chicken and salsa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
✅ How it should turn out
Golden, smoky chicken with distinct grill marks, crowned with a bright, colorful salsa that delivers a juicy, herbaceous, and zesty bite.