I marinated chicken in beer by accident the first time. A bottle of lime-flavoured lager fell sideways in the fridge and leaked into the container where I had the chicken breasts sitting. I grilled them anyway and they were the best chicken breasts I had made all summer. This recipe does it on purpose: chicken marinated in lime-flavoured beer for at least eight hours, grilled, sliced, and tossed with diced avocado, diced tomatoes, and crushed tortilla chips.
The beer tenderises the chicken and leaves a faint citrus flavour that you notice mostly on the charred edges. The avocado and tomato go in raw. The tortilla chips go on last for crunch. It is a salad that eats like a meal. One we keep making through July and August when the grill is already hot anyway.
Tips for Making Beer Marinated Chicken Salad
Marinate for at least eight hours
The longer the chicken sits in the beer, the more tender and flavoured it becomes. Overnight is ideal. The lime in the beer acts like a mild acid that breaks down the meat fibres.
Use a sealed bag or covered container. The chicken should be fully submerged in the beer.
Add the tortilla chips last
Crushed tortilla chips go on top just before eating. They absorb moisture quickly and lose their crunch within minutes.
Crush them by hand into irregular pieces. Some large, some small. The variety of sizes gives different textures in every forkful.
Beer Marinated Chicken Avocado Salad
Total Time: 495 minutes
Yield: Serves 2
Description
This Beer Marinated Chicken with Avocado & Tomato Salad is a refreshing summer dish, featuring lime-flavored beer-marinated chicken paired with a creamy avocado and tomato salad, topped with crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Units
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup lime-flavored beer
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup tortilla chips, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken breasts in lime-flavored beer for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, combine diced avocado and tomatoes.
- Slice the grilled chicken and add it to the avocado and tomato mixture.
- Top with crushed tortilla chips before serving.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance the flavor. You can substitute lime-flavored beer with any light beer and add a squeeze of lime juice for a similar effect. Serve immediately for the best texture, as the tortilla chips will soften over time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but note that the avocado may brown slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 80
Frequently Asked Questions
What beer should I use?
A lime-flavoured lager like Corona or Modelo with lime. If you cannot find lime-flavoured, use any light beer and add the juice of one lime to the marinade.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Thighs are fattier and stay moister on the grill. Marinate and grill the same way. They may need an extra minute or two per side.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Dice it right before serving and toss with a squeeze of lime juice. The acid slows browning. Do not dice it ahead of time.
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Avocado Chicken Salad
- Mixed Greens Avocado Blueberry Chicken Salad
- Roast Chicken Salad with Avocado and Blueberries
- Tomato and Apple Cider Vinegar BBQ Chicken Kabobs and Maple-Apple Cider Vinegar Slaw
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