Zesty Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad Recipe

Sizzling chili lime chicken fajita salad sparks an explosion of vibrant flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Tender grilled chicken marinates in zesty lime and bold spices, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Mexican-inspired ingredients combine to create a fresh, light meal bursting with color and excitement.

Crisp vegetables and juicy chicken intertwine, making each forkful a delectable experience.

The salad delivers a perfect balance of protein and freshness that satisfies without weighing you down.

Spice lovers will rejoice in this quick and easy dish that brings restaurant-quality excitement straight to your plate.

Get ready to savor every mouthwatering bite of this irresistible meal that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Directions for Making Chili Lime Chicken Fajitas

• Flavor Fusion

Combine zesty marinade ingredients in a bowl, creating a tangy blend that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal. Set aside half the mixture for later use as a vibrant dressing.

• Chicken Preparation

Let chicken soak in the marinade for two hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat and create an explosion of taste.

• Sizzling Skillet Action

Heat pan and cook chicken until golden and perfectly charred, creating a crispy exterior that locks in juicy goodness. Remove and let chicken rest.

• Veggie Magic

Quickly sauté peppers and onions in the same pan, capturing all the delicious remnant flavors from the chicken.

• Salad Composition

Arrange fresh greens on a plate, topping with sliced chicken, colorful peppers, caramelized onions, and creamy avocado. Drizzle with the reserved marinade for a final flavor punch.

• Finishing Touches

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a restaurant-quality dish that brings excitement to your dinner table.

Tips to Adjust Spice or Add Crunch

• Swap chicken for shrimp or steak to create exciting protein variations that keep the meal interesting and delicious.
• Adjust chili intensity by using different peppers like jalapeños for mild or habaneros for extreme spiciness, letting everyone control their personal flavor experience.
• Prepare chicken and vegetables in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick assembly during busy weeknights, saving time without compromising taste.
• Replace traditional marinades with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly without losing the zesty flavor profile.
• Add grilled corn kernels, black beans, or roasted sweet potato cubes to boost nutritional value and create more substantial, colorful salad textures that transform the dish into a complete meal.

How to Serve Fajita Salad in Bowls or Wraps

• Create a Flavor Fiesta: Dress up this zesty chicken fajita salad with vibrant toppings that complement its bold chili lime profile.
• Garnish with Fresh Zest: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, or crispy tortilla strips to add texture and elevate the dish's visual appeal.
• Pair with Cool Companions: Serve alongside creamy guacamole, tangy salsa, or a refreshing Mexican-style slaw to balance the warm, spicy chicken flavors.
• Customize Your Plate: Let diners personalize their salad with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, or a dollop of sour cream for a customized dining experience.

Storing Grilled Chicken Salad Smartly

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store marinated chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 days before cooking. Keep raw chicken on the bottom shelf to prevent cross-contamination.
• Extend Freshness: Keep leftover salad components separately to maintain crispness. Store grilled chicken, vegetables, and salad greens in different sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum 3-4 days.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of marinade to prevent drying. Avoid reheating salad greens to maintain texture and flavor.
• Freeze for Later: Cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s in Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad

• Lime Juice: Zesty citrus base that tenderizes chicken and adds bright, tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend marinade ingredients and provides smooth, rich undertone.
• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, spicy kick that gives depth to the overall dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that introduces bold, savory complexity.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings vibrant, herbal notes to marinade.

• Chicken Fillets: Lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully and creates tender, flavorful centerpiece.
• Sour Cream: Cooling element that balances spicy marinade and adds creamy texture.

• Mixed Salad Leaves: Crisp, fresh base that provides nutritional foundation.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add sweet crunch and nutritional value.
• Red Onions: Sharp, pungent ingredient that introduces texture and aromatic complexity.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich element that contributes healthy fats and smooth texture.

• Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Bright herb that adds final aromatic touch and visual appeal.

Tools to Grill & Toss This Zesty Chicken Salad

• Grill Pan or Skillet: Essential for achieving golden, crispy chicken and sautéing peppers and onions.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Shallow Dish: Ideal for marinating chicken and keeping it flavorful.
• Paper Towel: Handy for wiping down the pan between cooking steps.
• Knife: Necessary for slicing chicken and preparing salad ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and chicken.

Tantalizing Grilled Chili Lime Chicken Fajita Salad

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4.9 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired chili lime chicken fajita salad delivers zesty flavors and fresh ingredients in one delightful plate. Colorful peppers, tender chicken, and tangy dressing combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thigh fillets (no bone, skin removed)
• 5 cups romaine lettuce leaves (washed and dried)
• ½ yellow bell pepper (deseeded and sliced)
• ½ red bell pepper (deseeded and sliced)
• ½ onion (sliced)
• 2 avocados (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
• Cilantro leaves (for garnish)
• 3 tbsps (45 mL) olive oil
• 100 mL (just over ⅓ cup) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• ¾ tsp red chili flakes (adjust to preference)
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• Sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl, creating a vibrant and cohesive flavor mixture.
2. Chicken Marination: Submerge chicken fillets in half the marinade, refrigerate for up to 2 hours to infuse deep, tangy flavors.
3. Chicken Grilling: Heat grill pan to medium-high, lightly oil surface. Grill chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, reaching 165°F internal temperature.
4. Chicken Resting: Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-4 minutes, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
5. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same pan, quickly sauté bell peppers and onions until slightly caramelized and crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Chicken Slicing: Cut chicken into uniform strips against the grain for maximum tenderness and presentation.
7. Salad Assembly: Layer salad leaves with sliced avocado, sautéed vegetables, and chicken strips on serving plates.
8. Finishing Touch: Drizzle remaining marinade over the salad, garnish with fresh cilantro and optional sour cream for a zesty, refreshing finish.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Let chicken soak in marinade for maximum 2 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy and maintain optimal flavor intensity.
• Temperature Check: Always use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F, eliminating risk of foodborne illness.
• Resting Rules: Allow grilled chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after cooking to lock in juices, ensuring tender and succulent meat with enhanced taste.
• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken against grain to break muscle fibers, creating more tender and easier-to-chew fajita strips for improved dining experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 9 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg