Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with creamy California avocados, fresh cherry tomatoes, and melted cheese. It’s a flavorful, healthy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marination)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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 (optional, for drizzle)
- Diced red onion (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Avoid flipping the chicken frequently to ensure a nice sear on each side.
- Add Toppings: Once the chicken is cooked through, top each piece with sliced California avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Close the grill lid for 1 to 2 minutes to gently melt the cheese.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to plates. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a delicious and healthy meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding chipotle powder to the marinade.
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated for better searing.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler in your oven.
- Leftover grilled chicken can be refrigerated and used in salads or wraps.
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