Description
This Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa recipe combines tender, flavorful grilled chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and topped with a fresh, zesty avocado salsa. Perfect for a healthy and vibrant meal, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with complementary textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Avocado Salsa
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring better seasoning adherence and grilling.
- Oil the Chicken: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over both chicken breasts and rub it evenly on both sides to coat thoroughly.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning blend.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts and gently rub the spices in to coat completely.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, ensuring it is hot before placing the chicken on to achieve perfect grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken (Side 1): Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until grill marks form and the chicken releases easily from the surface.
- Grill the Chicken (Side 2): Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Prepare Avocado Salsa – Avocado: While the chicken cooks, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Avocado Salsa – Mix Ingredients: Add the diced avocado to a mixing bowl along with halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and chopped fresh cilantro.
- Add Lime Juice & Toss: Drizzle the lime juice over the avocado mixture and gently toss to combine all flavors evenly.
- Rest the Chicken: Once grilled, remove the chicken breasts from the grill and allow them to rest a few minutes to lock in juices and ensure tenderness.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thin strips and serve topped with the freshly made avocado salsa.
Notes
- Make sure your grill or grill pan is properly preheated to achieve beautiful grill marks and avoid sticking.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing helps retain its juices and prevents dryness.
- This avocado salsa is best served fresh but can be made up to 1 hour ahead and refrigerated to blend flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or stovetop skillet can be used as an alternative cooking method.
