Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for a summer barbecue or weeknight dinner. Juicy marinated chicken is topped with creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, and melted cheese, creating a delightful combination that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 California avocados, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
• Diced red onion (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking.
4. Step 4: Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping frequently to allow a nice sear.
5. Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully top each piece with sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
6. Step 6: Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt slightly for 1 to 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Transfer the chicken to plates, garnish with chopped cilantro, diced red onion if desired, and drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option; just adjust grilling time accordingly.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Swap mozzarella or Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese to add some heat.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or broil it in the oven.
• Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled chicken topped with avocado and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to avoid overcooking the chicken and browning the avocado. For best taste, it’s ideal to enjoy this dish fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the marinade and chicken in advance?

Yes, marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead to allow flavors to penetrate. Beyond that, the chicken may become too soft.

What can I use if I don’t have a grill?

You can cook the chicken in a grill pan on the stove or broil it in the oven under high heat. Both methods work well and still yield great flavor.

Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe features juicy marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. Enhanced with a flavorful spice blend and a touch of lime, this dish is a vibrant, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for summertime grilling or a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade & Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

• 2 California avocados, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
• Chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
• Diced red onion (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping frequently to ensure each side develops a nice sear.
4. Add Toppings: Once the chicken is cooked through, immediately top each piece with sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Close the grill lid for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
5. Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Add diced red onion if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Marinate chicken up to 4 hours for best flavor, but avoid longer to prevent texture changes.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, richer option.
• If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well.
• Feel free to add a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for extra brightness.

Keywords: grilled chicken, avocado chicken, California avocado, healthy chicken recipe, summer grilling, easy dinner, grilled chicken breasts