Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
