Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with creamy California avocado slices, fresh cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a flavorful and nutritious meal, it combines smoky grilled flavors with fresh, vibrant toppings for an irresistible dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 2 California avocados, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Optional:
- Chopped cilantro
- Balsamic glaze
- Diced red onion
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent chicken from sticking during grilling.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess. Place on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, avoiding frequent flipping, to develop a nice sear and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Toppings: Once the chicken is cooked through, top each piece with sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt slightly for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the topped chicken to plates. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or diced red onion if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature to ensure perfect doneness.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- The optional balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish that complements the creamy avocado and smoky chicken.
- This recipe works well with chicken thighs too, just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Keywords: Grilled chicken, avocado chicken, California avocado, healthy chicken recipe, summer grilling, bbq chicken, lime marinated chicken