Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious? Look no further than this Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad! With juicy, marinated chicken thighs, grilled peppers, and creamy avocado, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a salad lover or a fajita fan, this dish brings the best of both worlds together. Let’s dive in and explore this must-try recipe that will elevate your dinner game!
Introduction:
This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad combines the bright, citrusy notes of fresh lime with the spicy kick of chili flakes, creating a unique marinade that doubles as a dressing. This Tex-Mex-inspired dish is a healthier take on classic fajitas, offering all the smoky, grilled goodness of chicken and peppers, with the refreshing crunch of a salad. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
For fans of chicken fajitas, this recipe offers a twist with its zesty marinade and salad presentation. And for those who love bold flavors, this Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a perfect fit.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Marinade/Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
Salad:
- 4 boneless chicken thigh fillets (skin removed)
- ½ yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 5 cups romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Extra cilantro for garnish
- Optional: Sour cream to serve
For a dairy-free option, skip the sour cream, and if you’re avoiding sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.
How to Make Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, brown sugar, chili flakes, cumin, and salt. This mixture will serve as both your marinade and dressing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pour half of the marinade into a shallow dish and add the chicken thighs. Let them marinate for at least two hours, or overnight for best results. Refrigerate the remaining marinade to use as a dressing.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken fillets for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden, crispy, and fully cooked. Once done, let the chicken rest before slicing.
Step 4: Grill the Vegetables
Wipe down the grill pan and add another teaspoon of oil. Grill the bell peppers and onion slices until they are slightly charred and cooked to your liking.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Slice the chicken into strips. On a large serving platter, arrange the lettuce, avocado slices, grilled peppers, onions, and chicken strips. Drizzle with the reserved marinade dressing, and garnish with extra cilantro.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro make a huge difference in the flavor of the marinade.
- Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or swap them out for fresh jalapeños.
Cooking Tips
- Grill in Batches: When grilling the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure that each fillet is perfectly seared and not steamed.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: For an authentic grilled flavor, consider using a cast iron skillet to sear the chicken and vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad with a refreshing side dish like a Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw or a crisp Cucumber and Tomato Salad. A chilled glass of lime-infused iced tea or a cold margarita will complement the flavors perfectly.
If you’re looking for more delicious salad ideas, check out Tropical Hawaiian Chicken Salad with Quinoa for another satisfying and healthy option.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for each serving of Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad:
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin C from the peppers and lime juice, and rich in fiber from the avocados and lettuce.
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the grilled chicken in a skillet over low heat or enjoy it cold for a quick meal.
- Pro Tip: Prep extra chicken and vegetables to enjoy as meal prep for lunches throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts for thighs. However, be mindful that breasts tend to be drier, so marinating them for longer will help retain moisture.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add extra chili flakes, or include some diced jalapeños in the marinade for an added kick.
- What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to add grilled zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn to the salad for additional texture and flavor.
- Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes, you can grill the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Assemble the salad right before serving.
Related Recipes
- Honey Lime Chicken – Sweet, Spicy, and Citrus Delight
- Tzatziki Chicken Salad – Fresh, Healthy, and Delicious
Conclusion: Try This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Today!
This Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad is a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, it’s sure to impress. We’d love to hear your feedback or personal variations on this recipe – share your thoughts in the comments below!
Print
Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad | Zesty & Delicious
Description
Are you craving a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious? Look no further than this Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad! With juicy, marinated chicken thighs, grilled peppers, and creamy avocado, this dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a salad lover or a fajita fan, this dish brings the best of both worlds together. Let’s dive in and explore this must-try recipe that will elevate your dinner game!
Ingredients
Marinade/Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
Salad:
- 4 boneless chicken thigh fillets (skin removed)
- ½ yellow bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
- ½ onion, sliced
- 5 cups romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 2 avocados, sliced
- Extra cilantro for garnish
- Optional: Sour cream to serve
For a dairy-free option, skip the sour cream, and if you’re avoiding sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, brown sugar, chili flakes, cumin, and salt. This mixture will serve as both your marinade and dressing.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pour half of the marinade into a shallow dish and add the chicken thighs. Let them marinate for at least two hours, or overnight for best results. Refrigerate the remaining marinade to use as a dressing.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken fillets for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden, crispy, and fully cooked. Once done, let the chicken rest before slicing.
Step 4: Grill the Vegetables
Wipe down the grill pan and add another teaspoon of oil. Grill the bell peppers and onion slices until they are slightly charred and cooked to your liking.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Slice the chicken into strips. On a large serving platter, arrange the lettuce, avocado slices, grilled peppers, onions, and chicken strips. Drizzle with the reserved marinade dressing, and garnish with extra cilantro.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired. Enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro make a huge difference in the flavor of the marinade.
- Marinate Longer: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier dish, add more chili flakes or swap them out for fresh jalapeños.
