Save Pin This Spiced Grilled Chicken Skewers with Avocado Salsa recipe is all about bold summer flavor with barely any fuss. With quick-marinating chicken and a chunky salsa that is pure sunshine on your plate, it always disappears fast at any cookout. Expect juicy, perfectly spiced bites and creamy fresh avocado in every forkful.
I first made this for a backyard birthday picnic and it vanished so fast I barely got a plate Myself My favorite part is that you get both tangy salsa and deeply seasoned chicken without a pile of pots to wash
Ingredients
- Chicken breast or thighs: Choose boneless skinless and look for firm moist cuts for maximum juiciness
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken quickly
- Smoked paprika: The smoky note is everything here Spanish or Hungarian both work
- Ground cumin: Gives earthy warmth to balance the heat
- Garlic powder: Fast and easy way to layer flavor especially if you are grilling outdoors
- Red chili powder: You control the heat use hot or mild depending on your preference
- Olive oil: Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps things moist on the grill
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Season generously to heighten all the flavors
- Avocados: Ripe but not mushy for chunkier salsa seek those with slightly yielding flesh
- Tomatoes: Choose firm yet ripe for the freshest salsa bite
- Red onion: For color crunch and a sweet sharpness dice it fine for best results
- Fresh cilantro: Brings brightness a must in the salsa only use the leafy tops
- Lime juice: Fresh squeezed for peak zing
- Extra salt and pepper: To finish the salsa
- Wooden or metal skewers: Soak wooden skewers for twenty minutes so they don't burn on the grill
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine Greek yogurt smoked paprika ground cumin garlic powder chili powder olive oil salt and pepper in a large bowl Whisk until smooth Add chicken pieces toss until every surface is well coated Cover and marinate for at least fifteen minutes at room temperature or up to two hours in the fridge
- Prepare the Skewers:
- Thread marinated chicken pieces evenly onto skewers without crowding This helps them cook through with a crisp finish and lovely grill marks
- Preheat and Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat Clean and oil the grates Place the chicken skewers directly over the flame Grill for four to five minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through to an internal temperature of seventy four degrees Celsius or one hundred sixty five Fahrenheit
- Make the Avocado Salsa:
- While the chicken cooks dice avocados tomatoes and red onion Place in a mixing bowl Add chopped cilantro fresh lime juice salt and pepper Toss gently so the avocado stays chunky but everything gets evenly coated
- Serve:
- Arrange grilled skewers on a platter Spoon lots of salsa alongside Serve immediately with extra lime wedges or warm tortillas if desired
Save Pin The charred grilled flavor and creamy salsa combo gets rave reviews at my house My youngest will happily devour the salsa by the spoonful if I am not watching I love how the smokiness in the chicken pairs with tangy lime
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers The chicken lasts in the fridge for three days and is tasty cold Avocado salsa is best the day of but can be revived by mixing in a little more lime juice before serving
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap chicken thighs for breast if you like juicier and more flavorful meat If you have no fresh cilantro parsley adds brightness in the salsa Lemon juice can stand in for lime in a pinch
Serving Suggestions
Serve the skewers over rice or on top of crisp greens for a grain bowl Wrap them in warm flatbreads for an easy handheld meal Pair with grilled veggies or corn for a full summer feast
Save Pin Enjoy the vibrant flavors and easy cleanup with this summer favorite. Your guests will want seconds for sure!
Recipe FAQs
- → What seasonings work best for the chicken?
Mix ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful, aromatic blend.
- → How do I keep chicken skewers juicy?
Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes and grill over medium heat to prevent drying out.
- → Can I use wooden skewers?
Yes, soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- → What's included in the avocado salsa?
Diced avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt create a fresh salsa.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Grill chicken and prepare salsa ahead, then store separately in airtight containers.