Best Grilled Chicken Recipe with Fresh Peach Avocado Salsa

Enjoy this easy grilled chicken recipe with a fresh, tangy peach avocado salsa. Perfect for a healthy summer meal or BBQ. Ready in just 30 minutes! 

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy fresh, flavorful meals. One of my favorites is this grilled chicken with fresh peach avocado salsa. The combination of juicy grilled chicken and vibrant, tangy salsa is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s a healthy and easy dish that you can whip up quickly, making it ideal for those busy summer evenings.

When you want something different from the usual burgers and hot dogs, grilled chicken is a great option! It’s one of my go-to recipes for summer and is perfect for those seeking a healthy protein source.

But the best part? Grilled chicken tastes even better when you add fresh, seasonal flavors with a delicious salsa. This recipe is a wonderful way to use the harvest from your vegetable garden, and it looks beautiful all plated up. It’s perfect for a quiet evening at home and works well for a summer BBQ too.

Wait until you see how easy and delicious this recipe is to make!

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How to Make Grilled Chicken Recipe With Peach Avocado Salsa: Your New Favorite Summer Dish

One of the reasons I love making grilled chicken is because it’s simple to make, a healthier grilling option, and a versatile dish that can be used with different sauces and salsas depending on your mood.

Because I grow a vegetable garden, I love the combination of grilled chicken with fresh homegrown flavors. And what better way to enjoy it than making a refreshing salsa to pair with it?

Since we are heading into the peach season, today we are grilling up some chicken and serving it with a tasty avocado peach salsa. To make the most of this recipe, it’s important to start with high-quality chicken. I prefer using thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts as they cook quickly and evenly.

Here’s how to make it!

Ingredients to Make Grilled Chicken Recipe with Peach Avocado Salsa

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless thin chicken breasts
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Large garlic cloves, minced
• Cilantro
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh lime zest
• Lime, juiced

For the avocado peach salsa:

• Peaches – peeled, pitted, and diced
• Jalapeño pepper – seeded and minced
• Red onion – minced
• Red bell pepper – minced
• fresh cilantro, or to taste
• cloves garlic, grated or pushed through a press
• lime, juiced
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• avocado – peeled, pitted, and diced

Making the Best Grilled Chicken With Fruit Salsa: Step-by-Step Directions

• Prepare the chicken for grilling.
• Mix all of the marinade ingredients in a 1-gallon zip-lock bag, then add the chicken breasts to the bag. Massage the marinade into the meat until evenly coated.
• Seal the bag and place it in a bowl or on a dish in the refrigerator to protect it from leakage. Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours but you can even do overnight.
• Next, prepare the salsa.
• Gently mix peaches, jalapeño, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice, in a bowl. Then season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. Fold the avocado into the salsa just before serving.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Because the breasts are thin, they will cook quickly so keep an eye on them. Do not overcook.

Marinating the Chicken Properly Before Grilling

Marinating chicken properly is key to infusing it with flavor and enhancing its tenderness. If you’ve never marinated chicken before, here’s a step-by-step guide to get the most flavorful dish.

• Choose the right container. 
• Prep the chicken.
• Make the marinade. 
• Place the chicken in a container or plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure that the chicken is fully coated. Then seal the container or close the bag securely, squeezing out any excess air to promote even marination.
• Place the marinating chicken in the refrigerator for at least two hours depending on the cut. As a general guideline, two hours to overnight is sufficient. Keep in mind that delicate cuts like chicken breasts may require less marinating time, while tougher cuts like chicken thighs benefit from longer marination.
• Keep the chicken refrigerated at all times to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid leaving chicken at room temperature for an extended period.
• Turn the chicken in the marinade occasionally to ensure even exposure to the flavors. This step is optional but can help distribute the marinade more uniformly.
• When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove it from the marinade, and discard any leftover marinade. Do not reuse it as it came in contact with raw chicken and could contain bacteria.
• Before cooking, pat the marinated chicken dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, promoting better browning and preventing steaming during cooking. 
• Cook as desired.

How to Grill Chicken Breasts to Perfection

Grilling chicken breasts effectively involves several key steps to ensure they are cooked through, flavorful, and juicy. Here’s a quick guide to help you grill chicken breasts to perfection.

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and create a nice sear on the chicken.
• Oil the grates to prevent sticking before placing your chicken on the grill. Using tongs and a folded paper towel dipped in cooking oil, carefully rub the oiled towel over the grates. You can also use a grill spray like this to help keep your chicken from sticking.
• Place the chicken on the grill then close the grill lid to retain heat and maintain an even cooking temperature. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop grill marks and sear the first side.
• Use tongs to flip the chicken breasts to the other side. Cook for an equal amount of time on the second side. The total cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
• Check for doneness using an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, make a small cut in the thickest part of the chicken to check for any pinkness or rawness. The juices should run clear.
• When the chicken breasts are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier and more flavorful chicken.

Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the intensity of your grill’s heat. Overcooking can lead to dry chicken, and we definitely don’t want that!

And if you want more grilling tips, please read this article from Better Homes and Gardens.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Chicken Breasts?

The cooking time for grilling chicken breasts can vary depending on several factors, including the thickness of the chicken, the heat of the grill, and personal preference for doneness. 

As a general guideline, boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take about 6 to 8 minutes per side on a medium-high heat grill. Thicker chicken breasts may require slightly longer cooking times, while thinner ones may cook more quickly, usually about 4-5 minutes per side. 

You can use a meat thermometer like this one to check for doneness.

Tips for Making Fresh Peach Avocado Salsa

The mouthwatering combination of sweet peaches, creamy avocados, and tangy lime juice in this recipe will elevate your grilled chicken to new heights. As an aside, this salsa is also really good with my easy shrimp taco recipe. Just saying!

When making any salsa, it’s so important to create uniformly diced ingredients to help ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures.

Here are some tips to dice the ingredients uniformly.

• Always use a sharp knife.
• Choose consistent sizes. For salsa, a small to medium dice is generally preferred.
• Start by dicing the firmest ingredients, such as onions or bell peppers. These ingredients provide a good base and are easier to handle.
• Once the firm ingredients are diced, move on to the softer ones, like ripe peaches or avocados. These can be more delicate, so handle them gently to maintain their texture.
• As you dice each ingredient, aim to maintain a similar size throughout. This ensures that all the components blend harmoniously in the salsa.
• Feel free to customize the dice size according to your preference and the texture you want for the salsa.

Bringing It All Together

Once the chicken is cooked through and the peach avocado salsa is prepared, it’s time to assemble this delectable dish. Place the grilled chicken breasts on a platter and generously spoon the salsa over the top, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of freshness. Serve your grilled chicken with peach avocado salsa alongside a crisp garden salad or some grilled veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.

Grilled Chicken Recipe Tips and Variations

To make the most out of your grilled chicken with peach avocado salsa, here are some helpful tips and variations. These suggestions will enhance the flavors, offer alternative ingredients, and provide ideas for perfect side dishes, ensuring this recipe fits seamlessly into any meal.

Grilling Tips

• Achieve Perfect Grill Marks: To get those beautiful grill marks, make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat and the grates are well-oiled. Place the chicken on the grill at a 45-degree angle to the grates, and avoid moving it until it’s time to flip.
• Maintain Juicy Chicken: To prevent drying out, marinate the chicken for at least two hours. Keep an eye on the grill to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Resting Time: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Peaches: If peaches aren’t in season, try using nectarines, mangoes, or pineapples. Each of these fruits will add a unique sweetness to the salsa.
• Herbs: Swap cilantro with fresh basil or mint for a different flavor profile. Both herbs pair wonderfully with the fruity salsa and grilled chicken.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less jalapeño, or substitute it with milder peppers like bell peppers or spicier ones like serrano peppers.

Serving Ideas

• Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the grilled chicken and salsa perfectly.
• Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chicken with a side of grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. These can be cooked alongside the chicken for a simple, cohesive meal.
• Rice or Quinoa: A bed of fluffy rice or quinoa makes a great base for the grilled chicken and peach avocado salsa, absorbing the delicious juices and adding a hearty component to the meal.
• Tacos: Turn this dish into delicious tacos by slicing the grilled chicken and serving it with the salsa in warm tortillas, topped with shredded lettuce and a sprinkle of cheese.

Summer Grilling Recipes: Storing and Freezing the Leftovers

Properly storing and freezing your grilled chicken with peach avocado salsa ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish later without compromising its flavor and texture. Here are some tips for storing leftovers, freezing components, and preparing parts of the recipe ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers of Your Grilled Chicken Recipe With Fruit Salsa

• Grilled Chicken: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid drying it out.
• Peach Avocado Salsa: The salsa is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing the container.

Freezing Tips For Grilled Chicken Recipes and Fruit Salsas

• Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken freezes well. Place the cooked chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Peach Avocado Salsa: Freezing the salsa is not recommended as the texture of the peaches and avocado will change. However, you can freeze just the diced peaches in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. This way, you can prepare the salsa fresh by adding the other ingredients when needed.

Preparing Chicken With Fresh Salsa Ahead of Time

• Marinating the Chicken: Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. This allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the meat, making it even more delicious when grilled.
• Salsa Ingredients: You can dice the peaches, onions, and bell peppers a day ahead and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Mix them together with the other ingredients just before serving to keep the salsa fresh and vibrant.
• Complete Meal Prep: For a quick meal, grill the chicken and prepare the salsa the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and reheat just before serving for an easy, delicious dinner.

Grilled Chicken Recipe With Peach Avocado Salsa FAQs

These additional FAQs cover various aspects of the recipe, helping you to prepare and enjoy the grilled chicken with peach avocado salsa in different ways. If you have more questions, feel free to ask in the comments section below!

Can I use different types of fruit in the salsa?

Absolutely! While peaches and avocados are a great combination, you can experiment with other fruits like nectarines, mangoes, or pineapples. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor to the salsa.

How can I prevent the avocado from browning in the salsa?

To keep the avocado fresh and prevent browning, add it to the salsa just before serving. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can toss the diced avocado with lime juice to slow down the browning process.

Can I use frozen peaches for the salsa?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones are not available. Thaw the peaches completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing them for the salsa.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F when the chicken is done.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to marinate the chicken.

How do I keep the salsa from getting too watery?

To prevent the salsa from becoming too watery, make sure to remove excess moisture from the diced peaches and other ingredients by draining them well before mixing. Also, add salt just before serving, as it can draw out moisture from the ingredients over time.

What are some alternative proteins I can use with this salsa?

While grilled chicken is a fantastic option, you can also pair the peach avocado salsa with other proteins such as grilled fish (like salmon or mahi-mahi), shrimp, or even pork chops. The fresh flavors of the salsa complement various meats.

What if I Don’t Have a Grill to Make this Recipe?

If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, don’t worry! You can still make this recipe with a few small tweaks based on what you have. Here are a few options:

• Stovetop Grill Pan: A stovetop grill pan is a great indoor alternative that mimics the grill’s cooking process. 
• Air Fryer/Oven: While it won’t replicate the exact char and smoky flavor of grilling, an air fryer or oven can still yield tasty chicken breasts. 
• Indoor Grill or Electric Grill: If you have an indoor grill or an electric grill, you can use it to grill chicken breasts indoors. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating and cooking times.
• Pan-Seared: Pan-searing chicken breasts on the stovetop is another option.

Why Should I Use Chicken Breasts?

While you can make this recipe using different cuts of chicken, I think breasts work best for grilling. Here’s why.

Lean and Healthy

Chicken breasts are lean with lower fat content compared to other parts. Grilling allows excess fat to drip away, making the dish lighter and healthier. Plus, they’re easier to serve and eat.

Versatile

Chicken breasts can be marinated, seasoned, or paired with various sauces and spices, adapting well to different flavors and culinary styles.

Quick Cooking Time

Chicken breasts cook faster and more evenly than thighs or drumsticks, making them ideal for grilling. Their consistent thickness reduces the risk of undercooking or overcooking.

Tastier Results

When cooked properly, chicken breasts can be juicy and tender. Marinating or brining before grilling enhances their flavor and tenderness, while grilling seals in natural juices.

Versatility in Presentation

Grilled chicken breasts can be served as a main course with sides, sliced on salads, stuffed in sandwiches or wraps, or added to pasta dishes or stir-fries. I love using leftover chicken breast in this chicken salad with grapes recipe. It’s one of my favorite go-to lunches. But I also love adding it to this easy spinach salad recipe too.

And it’s really good if you make a sandwich with it using fresh Italian bread with this caprese salad recipe. Sometimes, I’ll even spread some basil pesto homemade on the bread too!

Widely Available

Chicken breasts are readily available in most grocery stores or markets, making them accessible for home cooks.

Should Chicken Breasts Be Cooked Cold or From Room Temperature?

It is generally recommended to grill chicken breasts at room temperature rather than straight from the refrigerator. Allowing the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling helps ensure even cooking and juicier results.

When you place cold chicken breasts on a hot grill, the outside may cook faster than the inside, resulting in unevenly cooked meat. Cold chicken also takes longer to cook, which can lead to dryness.

To bring chicken breasts to room temperature, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit for about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on their size and thickness.

However, for food safety, do not leave the chicken at room temperature for too long. Always follow proper food handling practices and maintain good hygiene when preparing and grilling chicken.

Final Thoughts About Grilled Chicken Recipe with Peach Salsa

Grilling chicken with peach avocado salsa is a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of summer. This recipe combines the smoky, savory taste of grilled chicken with the fresh, vibrant notes of seasonal fruit, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying a family dinner, or simply looking for a healthy and delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Remember to follow the tips and variations to make the most of your ingredients and ensure the best possible results. From properly marinating and grilling the chicken to preparing the salsa with fresh, ripe produce, every step contributes to a mouthwatering dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Thank you for trying out this recipe! I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with.

Do you love grilled chicken too? Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share? Have you ever had peach salsa before to pair with grilled chicken? I would love to know more in the comments below.

Thank you for visiting the blog today!

Enjoy your day! xo

Looking for More Great Recipes Using Fresh Ingredients From the Garden?

I love to make food with harvests from my vegetable and herb garden. Here are a few recipes to try!

• Nachos Loaded with Cilantro and Spinach
• Easy Spinach Salad Recipe
• Caprese Salad Bites Appetizer
• Grandma’s Bruschetta Tomatoes Recipe
• Zucchini Quiche