Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa

Juicy Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado is a delicious, flavor-packed dish that’s super easy to make for a Whole-30 meal the entire family will love! 

Fresh avocado, cilantro, chicken… are you thinking what I’m thinking? This is going to be the type of recipe you’re going to want to make on repeat!

This simple pan-seared chicken is topped with a fresh homemade avocado salsa that comes together easily with that freezer stash of chicken breasts you keep handy at all times.

I can’t be the only one that has a freezer full of protein to whip up meals quickly, right?

If you know me, you know I’m all about making ONE dish for the whole family, and most often, the ingredient of choice is chicken. It’s high in protein, super versatile, and everyone loves it, which is why it’s the main ingredient for many of the whole 30 and paleo inspired recipes on this website.

Best Avocado Chicken

This Avocado Chicken is quickly becoming everyone’s favorite, and it’s no wonder why. It’s quickly pan-seared cilantro-lime chicken topped with a zesty and fresh creamy avocado salsa- the flavors practically melt in your mouth, and it’s ready to eat in 30 minutes. 

I usually serve it over a bed of fresh greens or roasted vegetables and you have a satiating meal that’s delicious and supports your healthy eating goals. 

Whole30 Chicken

When you’re making Whole30 chicken recipes, or Paleo, it’s important to focus on the quality of proteins you purchase since you’ll be using it as a primary source of nutrition to build your meals.

This is another reason I continue to purchase my high-quality proteins from Perdue Farms and get them delivered right to my door -I don’t have to go anywhere! 

Not only can I get my favorite selections of lean proteins, but this family-owned business whose farmers are devoted to humane animal practices and environmentally conscious efforts make my choice to partner with and support them easy. 

Making the Cilantro Lime Marinade

This simple and quick marinade is made with 6 ingredients and packs SO much flavor. You can use it to take any baked or sautéed chicken recipe up a notch (or two!). 

Here’s what you’ll need from the fridge and spice rack to make the cilantro lime marinade: 

• Fresh lime juice
• Olive oil
• Fresh cilantro
• Cumin
• Garlic clove, grated
• Salt

The bonus for this recipe is that since it’s a citrus marinade, it only needs 20 minutes to marinate making this an optimal recipe to make any night of the week.

Easy Avocado Salsa 

Avocado salsa is made with guacamole ingredients, but instead of a creamy dip, it’s a delicious salsa that’s ready to eat in less than 5 minutes. Grab the ingredients below, and let’s make this magic avocado goodness happen:

• Avocado
• Shallot or red onion
• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Salt

This salsa is fresh and super easy to whip up. I personally love its simplicity of ingredients that allow the delicious chicken flavors to shine through. You’ll want to mound this salsa over the grilled chicken or add it to your favorite tacos, salads, and anything your heart desires. 

How to Make This Cilantro Lime Avocado Chicken 

We are T-minus 30 minutes from tasting the best chicken of your life! Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started. 

1. Marinate
   In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Add to a large zip bag along with the chicken breasts. Seal and marinate for 15 minutes. 
   
2. Give it a Sear
   In a large pan or skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook on both sides until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove from heat and allow to rest 5 minutes.
   
3. Grab a bowl
   Meanwhile, add the avocado, shallots, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Toss everything to combine, and voila! 
   
4. Dish up
   Serve the avocado salsa over the chicken breasts, grab a fork, and enjoy! 

I know the chicken is photographed on a sheet pan, this is for look only. It’s cooked on a pan, over the stove.

The Trick for Juicy Chicken 

Making perfect, juicy chicken is all in cooking by temperature, not time, which is why I suggest keeping a meat thermometer on hand. 

Chicken breast is best at 165F and not a digit over. For dark meat cuts such as thighs, leg quarters, and drumsticks, the meat should be cooked to 175F. 

It also helps to make sure your skillet is HOT before adding the chicken. This will give the meat a nice sear on both sides and help lock in those juices. 

Is this Cilantro Lime Avocado Chicken Paleo? 

Looking for a low-carb, paleo meal that will have everyone asking for seconds? This is it! The flavor of this Cilantro Lime Avocado Chicken is unbeatable, and I love that it supplies an excellent source of healthy fats and lean protein. 

While it’s hard to do a whole 30 program or start eating more paleo-inspired meals without a plan, I’ve found that ordering quality proteins online and getting them delivered to my front door is a major plus and helps me stick to my goals. 

What to Serve with This Healthy Chicken Recipe

The chicken and avocado salsa is incredible all on its own, but let’s make this a well-rounded meal with a few veggie side dishes. 

The options below are low-carb, but if carbs aren’t a problem, you definitely want to serve this healthy chicken with the Roasted Fingerling Potatoes. Buttery soft potatoes with crispy skins paired with the chicken and the avocado salsa, and it’s PURE HEAVEN!

Check out these recipes to serve with the chicken:

• Garlic Fingerling Potatoes
• Healthy Broccoli Tots
• Easy Roasted Vegetables
• Parmesan Green Beans
• Spiralized Zucchini & Tomatoes

Other Whole30 Chicken Recipes

Looking for more Whole30 and Paleo approved chicken recipes? I’ve got you covered with these:

• Roasted Vegetable Salad with Baked Chicken
• Bruschetta Chicken
• Chicken Udon Soup
• Salsa Chicken Cauliflower Rice Bowls
• Pepperoni Pizza Chicken Recipe
• Healthy Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
• Melt-in-your-Mouth Chicken
• Garlic Butter Spaghetti Squash Chicken
• Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice

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