Description
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe combines juicy, marinated chicken breasts with fresh California avocados, cherry tomatoes, and melted cheese, resulting in a delicious, healthy meal perfect for summertime grilling. The chicken is seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and fresh lime juice, then topped with creamy avocado and gooey cheese for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin or chili powder
Toppings
- 2 ripe but firm California avocados, sliced or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- Optional toppings: diced red onion, chopped cilantro, balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin or chili powder. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-450°F (190-230°C). Oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, flipping only once or twice to ensure even cooking. Cook until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add Toppings: Once the chicken is fully cooked, top each piece with sliced or diced California avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove chicken from the grill and plate immediately. For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle optional diced red onion and chopped cilantro on top if desired. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken as long as possible, ideally 2-4 hours, to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broiler method as an alternative.
- Choose firm but ripe avocados for best texture; overly ripe avocado may become mushy on the grill.
- Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Adjust spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of paprika and cumin/chili powder.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly by using a meat thermometer for best results.
