If you’re craving a fresh, zesty spin on your typical Paleo meals, chili lime chicken with avocado salsa may become your new favorite. You’ll get a delightful fusion of tangy marinated chicken and a creamy, satisfying salsa. Even better, every step stays true to the Paleo diet, helping you stick to whole foods without sacrificing flavor. Ready to fire up the skillet (or grill) and give this one a go?
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large avocado, diced
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime (for the salsa)
Directions
Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Cook the chicken
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat (or preheat your grill).
- Add a drizzle of olive oil if using a skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
Prepare the avocado salsa
- In a small bowl, stir together the diced avocado, chopped red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, then gently toss to combine.
Assemble and serve
- Slice the chicken and arrange it on a plate.
- Top each piece with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa.
- Enjoy it right away while everything is fresh.
Nutrition Facts
| Per Serving (Approx.) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
(These numbers are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands.)
Final thoughts
This chili lime chicken with avocado salsa is a simple way to keep dinner exciting while sticking to Paleo guidelines. You get lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and a punch of flavor from the lime-chili combo. If you’re prepping meals in advance, marinate the chicken overnight so that dinner is ready to cook as soon as you walk in the door. Give this recipe a try and see how easy (and delicious) Paleo living can be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs often have a bit more flavor, and they’ll work perfectly in this recipe. -
How spicy is the dish?
It has a mild heat from the chili powder, but you can dial up the spice by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. -
Can I store the avocado salsa for later?
Avocado browns quickly, so it’s best to enjoy the salsa fresh. If you have leftovers, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to one day.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 minced garlic cloves)
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 large avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime (for the salsa)
Directions
- Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Let the chicken sit for at least 20 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Cook the chicken
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat (or preheat your grill).
- Add a drizzle of olive oil if using a skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the avocado salsa
- In a small bowl, stir together the diced avocado, chopped red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, then gently toss to combine.
- Assemble and serve
- Slice the chicken and arrange it on a plate.
- Top each piece with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa.
- Enjoy it right away while everything is fresh.
