keto Chili Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe

Name: keto Chili Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 6 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless; 2 tablespoons of avocado oil; 1/4 cup of chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s (or make your own with chili powder, sea salt, and lime juice powder); 2 limes, juiced; 2 ripe avocados; 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped; 1/4 cup of red onion, chopped; 1/4 cup of cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons of lemon juice; Salt to taste

This keto chili lime chicken thighs with guacamole recipe is a great way to enjoy a Mexican-inspired meal that is low-carb and high-fat.

The chicken thighs are seasoned with a chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s and cooked in avocado oil until crispy and juicy. The guacamole is made with fresh avocado, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, and lemon juice. It’s a zesty and simple meal that you can whip up in less than an hour.

This chicken and guacamole recipe can be cooked in a skillet on the stove or in an air fryer for even more crispiness. You can serve it with a green salad or some cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal. It’s also gluten-free and dairy-free, and it can be easily customized with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Chicken Thighs – I used boneless and skinless chicken thighs for this recipe, but you could also use bone-in and skin-on if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You will need to season them with a chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s or make your own with chili powder, sea salt, and lime juice powder.
Avocado Oil – I used this oil to fry the chicken thighs in a skillet or spray them in an air fryer. It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. It also has healthy fats that are good for your heart and skin. You can substitute it with another oil that is suitable for high-heat cooking, such as coconut oil or ghee.

Avocado – I used ripe avocados to make creamy and fresh guacamole. You will need to mash them with a fork or a tool and add some chopped jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt to taste. You can also add some garlic or cumin for extra flavor.
Jalapeno Pepper – I added this spicy pepper to the guacamole for some heat and flavor. You can use as much or as little as you like depending on your preference. You will need to chop it into small pieces and remove the ribs and seeds if you don’t want it to be too hot. You can also substitute it with another type of chili pepper or omit it altogether.
Red Onion – I added this onion to the guacamole for some crunch and color. You will need to chop it into small pieces as well. Keep in mind that red onion is high in carbs, so use it sparingly if you’re on a strict keto diet. You can also substitute with green onion or shallot.
Cilantro – I added this herb to the guacamole for some freshness and citrusy flavor. You will need to chop it into small pieces as well. If you don’t like cilantro, you can skip it or use another herb of your choice, such as parsley or basil.
Lemon Juice – I added this juice to the guacamole to prevent the avocado from browning and to add some tanginess. You can also use lime juice if you prefer.
Salt – I added this seasoning to the chicken and the guacamole to enhance the flavors. You don’t need to add too much salt because the chicken and bacon are already salty enough. Just add a pinch or two to taste.
Limes – I used these fruits to squeeze some juice over the chicken thighs before frying them up. This adds some acidity and brightness to the chicken. You can also use lemon if you like.

How to Make Keto Chili Lime Chicken Thighs with Guacamole

This keto chili lime chicken thighs with guacamole recipe is very easy to make. Here are the steps:

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them with the chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s or your own homemade version. Squeeze some lime juice over them if you have it.
Heat some avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the chicken thighs to the skillet or the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Cook the chicken thighs for about 15 minutes per side in the skillet or for about 20 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through. The chicken thighs should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken thighs are cooking, make the guacamole by mashing the avocados in a medium bowl with a fork or a tool. Add the chopped jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, lemon juice, and salt to taste. Mix well to combine.
Serve the chicken thighs hot with the guacamole on the side or on top of them. Enjoy your keto chili lime chicken thighs with guacamole! You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs if you prefer. However, chicken breasts are leaner and more prone to drying out, so you may want to reduce the cooking time or use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as well.

How can I make my own chili lime seasoning?

If you don’t have the chili lime seasoning from Trader Joe’s or you want to make your own, you can use a combination of chili powder, sea salt, and lime juice powder. You can also add some garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin for extra flavor. A good ratio is 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of sea salt, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice powder. Adjust to your taste and store in an airtight container.

How can I store and reheat the leftovers?

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can microwave them for a few minutes or heat them up in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also shred the chicken and use it in salads, tacos, or wraps.

What can I serve with this dish?

You can serve this dish with a green salad or some cauliflower rice for a complete keto meal. You can also add some cheese, sour cream, salsa, or cilantro lime dressing for extra flavor and creaminess.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or an instant pot?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker or an instant pot if you don’t want to use a skillet or an air fryer. For the slow cooker, you can add the chicken thighs and the seasoning to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. For the instant pot, you can add the chicken thighs and the seasoning to the instant pot and add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes and let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, you can crisp up the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes if you like.