Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my new obsession: grilled California avocado chicken! This dish is an absolute flavor bomb, combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy, fresh avocado. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of the chicken sizzling on the grill mixed with the tangy lime marinade had my mouth watering before it was even ready. Plus, it’s incredibly healthy—packed with protein and good fats, it feels great to indulge without the guilt. Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a summer barbecue, this recipe is your ticket to deliciousness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about those smoky, savory bites topped with buttery avocado!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients to create your grilled California avocado chicken masterpiece:
- 2 chicken breasts: Look for plump, juicy breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 ripe California avocado: Make sure it’s perfectly ripe—soft to the touch but not mushy!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This adds richness and helps the marinade cling to the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Freshly squeezed is the way to go for that zesty kick.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for that savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: This will give your chicken a beautiful color and smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t skimp here; they’re essential for bringing out all the flavors!
How to Prepare Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Getting ready to create your grilled California avocado chicken is super easy, and I promise you’ll love every step! Start by marinating those chicken breasts; it’s the secret to juicy flavor. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until it’s well combined. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure every inch is covered, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will really help the flavors sink in and make every bite delicious!
Prepping the Chicken
After mixing your marinade, take the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly. I usually like to use a zip-top bag for this; it makes for easy mixing and cleanup! Just toss the chicken inside, seal it up, and give it a little shake. Let it marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Grilling Instructions
Now, it’s time to heat things up! Preheat your grill to medium heat, which is crucial for that perfect sear. Once it’s hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness—look for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast. This ensures it’s cooked through without drying out.
Serving Suggestions
When your chicken is beautifully grilled, it’s time to plate! Slice that ripe avocado and place it generously on top of each chicken breast. For a complete meal, I love serving this with a fresh side salad or some grilled vegetables. The combination of flavors is just divine, and your guests will be so impressed!
Tips for Success
To elevate your grilled California avocado chicken to the next level, here are some pro tips! First, always choose high-quality, fresh ingredients—this really makes a difference, especially with the avocado and chicken. If you can, go for organic chicken; it’s worth it! When marinating, don’t skip the time—thirty minutes is great, but if you can let it marinate longer, even better! This allows those flavors to really penetrate the chicken. Also, keep an eye on your grill temperature; medium heat is key to achieving that perfect char without burning. And finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before serving—this helps keep it juicy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for your grilled California avocado chicken, which is perfect if you’re keeping an eye on your health. Each serving (1 chicken breast with avocado) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and just 6g of carbohydrates. Plus, it’s gluten-free! Remember, these values are estimates, so they can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just keep in mind that they might take a little longer to cook—about 8-10 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. The key is to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as well, so a meat thermometer is your best friend here!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Checking for doneness is super important! The best way is to use a meat thermometer; insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into the chicken—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, you’re good to go!
Can I grill the avocado?
You can definitely grill avocado! It adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Just slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and brush it lightly with olive oil. Grill it cut-side down for about 2-3 minutes until you see those lovely grill marks. Just be careful not to overdo it, as it can get mushy quickly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein and good fats.
- Deliciously flavorful with a zesty lime marinade.
- Fresh avocado adds creaminess that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken.
- Great for meal prep or serving at gatherings.
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this lemon herb grilled chicken recipe or this creamy garlic butter chicken recipe.
Print
Grilled California Avocado Chicken: 5 Flavor-Packed Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled California avocado chicken is a flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken breasts topped with fresh avocado.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 ripe California avocado
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
- Slice the avocado and place it on top of the grilled chicken.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh avocado for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with avocado
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: grilled california avocado chicken, chicken recipes, healthy chicken
