Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance! This vibrant Lemon Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa is not just a meal, it's a one-way ticket to flavor town. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a golden-brown crust, topped with a refreshing salsa that combines creamy avocado, sweet corn, and a zingy lemon kick. Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or simply craving a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly easy to make, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup corn, cooked
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt to create a marinade. Pour half the marinade over the chicken breasts and let them marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the avocado corn salsa. In a medium mixing bowl, combine diced avocado, cooked corn kernels, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the remaining lemon marinade over the salsa and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ensure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
- Cook the chicken breasts for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a golden-brown crust and be completely cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice the chicken breasts and top with the fresh avocado corn salsa. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately, accompanied by rice, quinoa, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
- Pat Dry for Crispy Perfection: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from chicken breasts before seasoning. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure proper browning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For foolproof results, check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let It Rest: Always allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped cilantro for maximum flavor impact.
- Customize Your Salsa: Feel free to add diced jalapeños or a splash of lime juice to the avocado corn salsa for extra zing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
