Mexican Grilled Chicken with Tomato Avocado Salsa

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (skin on)
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 small red onion
• 1 peeled avocado
• 2 jalapeño peppers or 3-6 fresh serrano chili peppers (adjust for spice preference)
• 3 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Olive oil for basting

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Slice the Vegetables: Cut the tomatoes and red onion into thick slices. Halve the peppers and discard the seeds.
2. Grill the Vegetables: Place the garlic cloves, tomato, onion, and pepper slices on the grill. Close the lid and grill until charred and the garlic skin peels off easily (approximately 2 minutes per side).

Step 2: Make the Salsa

1. Chop and Mix: Remove the grilled vegetables, peppers, and garlic from the grill. Chop them finely and mix well.
2. Season: Stir in the lemon and orange juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

1. Marinate: Use half of the vegetable mixture to spread over the chicken breasts, ensuring to rub it under the skin. Let it marinate for 1 hour at room temperature or up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill on high.
2. Baste and Cook: Baste the chicken with olive oil and place it on the grill. Cook until the juices run clear, about 5 minutes per side.

Step 5: Finalize the Salsa

1. Add Avocado and Cilantro: While the chicken is grilling, chop the avocado and stir it into the remaining vegetable mixture. Add the chopped cilantro and mix well.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and slice it into ½-inch pieces. Serve with the grilled tomato avocado salsa.

Food Safety Tips

• Cook Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the juices run clear and the meat is white.
• Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate utensils for raw and cooked chicken. Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Chicken Consumption: In 2020, the average American consumed about 97.6 pounds of chicken, making it the most consumed meat in the U.S. (Source).
• Avocado Popularity: The U.S. imported over 2.4 billion pounds of avocados in 2020, reflecting the fruit's growing popularity (Source).
• Health Benefits: Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and various essential nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to any meal (Source).

Conclusion

This Mexican Grilled Chicken with Tomato Avocado Salsa is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Mexico to your table. With its combination of grilled chicken and fresh salsa, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to follow food safety guidelines to ensure a healthy and enjoyable meal. Enjoy your culinary journey into Mexican cuisine!