Grilled California Avocado Chicken: The Easiest Healthy Recipe

Hello! I’m Ava Morgan, and I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you today: grilled california avocado chicken. This dish is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients, smoky flavors, and creamy textures. Grilled california avocado chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

This recipe was born out of a desire for a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that could be enjoyed year-round. Imagine juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with perfectly ripe California avocados, creating a melody of tastes that dance on your palate. Every bite is a journey of textures and tastes – the tenderness of the chicken, the creaminess of the avocado, and the subtle char from the grill. This grilled california avocado chicken is sure to become a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

What’s not to love? This grilled california avocado chicken recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue. It’s healthy, packed with protein and healthy fats, and satisfying without being heavy. Follow us on Pinterest to stay updated with more easy and delicious recipes!

I remember the first time I made this for a summer cookout. Everyone raved about the creamy avocado topping, and the perfectly grilled chicken was a hit. It quickly became a go-to recipe for its simplicity and crowd pleasing flavors. The versatility of this dish also shines through.

This recipe brings a hint of California sunshine to your table, no matter where you are. Plus, the vibrant green of the avocado against the golden brown chicken makes for a beautiful presentation. It’s the kind of meal that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients Needed for This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Avocado Topping:

• 2 ripe California avocados, pitted and mashed
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

1. 2. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the olive oil mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

1. 3. Prepare the Avocado Topping: While chicken is marinating, prepare the avocado topping. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados.

1. 4. Add Ingredients to Avocado Topping: Add the red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeno (if using) to the mashed avocados. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

1. 5. Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium heat (about 350 400°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

1. 6. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the marinade and place them on the preheated grill.

1. 7. Cook the Chicken: Grill for 6 8 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. For another excellent grilled chicken option, check out these Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, which are bursting with flavor and perfect for summer barbecues.

1. 8. Rest the Chicken: Remove grilled chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before topping with avocado mixture. This helps to retain the juices and keep the chicken moist.

1. 9. Assemble and Serve: Top each grilled chicken breast with a generous amount of the avocado topping. Serve immediately and enjoy! Consider making a healthy chicken salad with any leftover chicken.

How to Serve This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

Grilled California avocado chicken is fantastic served on its own with a side of grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers. It’s also delicious served over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing salad. You can also serve it with some Mexican rice and beans for a heartier meal.

For a fun twist, try serving this grilled california avocado chicken in a bun as a sandwich or in tortillas as tacos. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can also add extra flavor.

Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving to brighten up the flavors.

How to Store This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

Refrigeration: Cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days in an airtight container. Avocado topping is best served fresh, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, be aware that the avocado may brown slightly. Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze the avocado topping because it can change the texture when thawed. However, cooked chicken breasts can be frozen for up to 2 3 months. Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe bag. Reheating: To reheat frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Tips to Make This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
• Don’t overcook the chicken! Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it is cooked to 165°F (74°C).
• Use ripe but firm avocados for the topping. Overripe avocados will be too mushy, and underripe avocados will be too hard.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the avocado topping, such as corn, black beans, or diced tomatoes.

Helpful Notes for This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or by baking it in the oven. The cooking time will be slightly different, so adjust accordingly.

Smoked paprika is what gives this chicken a wonderful smoky flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute regular paprika, but the flavor will be different.

Fresh lime juice is best for the avocado topping, but you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch. If you love a good hearty meal also try this Bbq Chicken Grilled Cheese!

Variation of This grilled california avocado chicken Recipe

For a spicier version, add more jalapeno to the avocado topping, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the chicken before grilling.

If you’re not a fan of avocados, you can substitute with guacamole or simply use a mixture of sour cream and salsa.

In the fall, try grilling the chicken with apple slices and using a bit of maple syrup in the marinade.

Conclusion

This grilled california avocado chicken is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with healthy ingredients. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. Every bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Give this wonderful recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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