Name: Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken breasts, trimmed; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup lime juice; 1 tbsp dried basil; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 4 avocados, halved, peeled, pitted, diced; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 3 tsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp garlic powder

This Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Tender chicken bathed in a zesty chili lime marinade, then grilled to perfection and topped with creamy, chunky avocado – it’s the perfect balance of heat, tang, and creaminess. Ready in just 15 minutes of active cooking time, this dish is your ticket to an impressive weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Flavorful: The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor in as little as one hour, making this perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t have hours to cook.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish with various sides, in tacos, on salads, or even sliced cold for lunch the next day.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and heart-healthy fats from the avocado, this dish satisfies your cravings while keeping things nutritious.
Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its restaurant-worthy presentation and flavor, the recipe is surprisingly straightforward to execute, even for novice cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken + Chili Lime Marinade:

Chicken breasts: The canvas for all our amazing flavors. Slicing them into cutlets ensures quick, even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Olive oil: Creates the base of our marinade and helps transfer all those delicious flavors into the chicken.
Lime juice: Provides tanginess and begins the tenderizing process for the chicken.
Dried basil: Adds an unexpected herbal note that complements the citrus beautifully.
Ground coriander: Brings a warm, slightly citrusy flavor that enhances the lime without overwhelming it.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and helps the chicken retain moisture.
Chili powder: Provides a gentle heat and beautiful color to the chicken.
Garlic powder: Adds depth and savory notes without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have on the grill.
Onion powder: Creates a foundation of savory flavor that balances the acidity of the lime.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness that works with the chili powder.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Provides little bursts of heat throughout the chicken.

For the Chunky Avocado Topping:

Avocados: Their creamy texture and mild flavor perfectly balance the spicy chicken.
Fresh cilantro: Brings a bright, herbaceous note to the avocado topping.
Lime juice: Prevents the avocado from browning and echoes the flavors in the marinade.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the avocados.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory note to the avocado mixture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice Level Adjustment: Increase the chili powder and red pepper flakes for a fiery version, or reduce them for a milder take.
Herb Swap: Try fresh mint instead of cilantro in the avocado topping for a refreshing twist.
Tropical Fusion: Add diced mango or pineapple to the avocado topping for a sweet-savory combination.
Mediterranean Style: Substitute lemon for lime, oregano for basil, and add some crumbled feta to the avocado topping.
Make It Creamy: Mash half the avocado mixture for a more sauce-like consistency while keeping some chunks for texture.

How to Make Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thin cutlets. This not only helps them cook quicker and more evenly but also increases the surface area for the marinade to work its magic.

Step 2: Marinate

Place your chicken cutlets in a gallon ziplock bag with all the marinade ingredients. Seal the bag, squeezing out excess air, and massage the marinade into the chicken. Let it marinate for at least one hour, though anywhere up to 12 hours will only enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This helps it cook more evenly.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Choose your preferred cooking method:

For Grilling:

Place the marinated chicken on a preheated medium-heat grill. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, turning only once for perfect grill marks. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

For Stovetop:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for about 5 minutes. Flip and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, then flip once more for a final 4-5 minutes until fully cooked through with no pink remaining.

Step 5: Prepare the Avocado Topping

While the chicken cooks, combine the diced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Gently mix to maintain some texture in the avocados.

Step 6: Serve

Place the grilled chicken on plates and top each cutlet with a generous spoonful of the chunky avocado mixture. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the avocado is cool and fresh.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Marinating: Even if you only have an hour, the marinade makes all the difference in flavor and tenderness.
Thickness Matters: Try to slice the chicken to an even thickness so they all cook at the same rate.
Temperature Test: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
Avocado Timing: Prepare the avocado topping just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the fresh flavor and texture.
Grill Marks: For those perfect restaurant-style marks, resist the urge to constantly flip the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for at least 4 minutes before the first flip.

How to Serve

This Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Complete Meals:

Serve with cilantro-lime rice and black beans for a Mexican-inspired feast
Pair with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for a lighter option
Complement with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed vegetables for a colorful, nutritious plate

Creative Uses:

Slice and use as a filling for tacos or burritos with additional toppings
Chop and add to a salad for a protein-packed lunch
Serve in a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and additional avocado

Garnishes:

A squeeze of fresh lime, some extra cilantro leaves, or a light sprinkle of chili flakes adds both visual appeal and an extra flavor boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

You can prepare the chicken in the marinade up to 12 hours ahead of time, which actually enhances the flavor. However, always prepare the avocado topping just before serving.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The avocado topping is best consumed immediately, but if necessary, store separately with extra lime juice squeezed over the top and plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning.

Freezing

The cooked chicken (without the avocado topping) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in a freezer bag.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until just warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken tough. Always prepare fresh avocado topping for leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay even juicier than breasts. You won’t need to slice them into cutlets, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs typically take a bit longer to cook through. The flavor profile works just as well with the darker meat.

How can I prevent my avocados from browning if I need to prepare them in advance?
If you must prepare the avocado topping ahead of time, add extra lime juice, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mixture (eliminating air contact), and refrigerate. Even with these precautions, try not to prepare more than 1-2 hours in advance. Another trick is to keep the avocado pits in the mixture until ready to serve, which can help slow browning.

Is there a way to make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! As outlined in the cooking instructions, a stovetop method works perfectly. You can also use a grill pan on the stove for those characteristic grill marks. Another excellent option is to broil the chicken in the oven – place it on a broiler pan about 6 inches from the heat source and broil for approximately 5-6 minutes per side.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free and gluten-free?
Good news – this recipe is naturally both dairy-free and gluten-free as written! Just double-check your specific brands of chili powder and other seasonings to ensure they don’t contain any additives with gluten or dairy. This makes it perfect for serving to guests with these common dietary restrictions.

Ready for a Flavor Fiesta!

This Avocado Chili Lime Grilled Chicken recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort. The bright, zesty marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special, while the creamy avocado topping adds a cool contrast that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this dish is sure to impress. The best part? It’s so simple that you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again, perhaps creating your own variations along the way. Fire up that grill (or heat that skillet) and treat yourself to this delicious, fresh, and satisfying meal tonight!