Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh California avocados, cherry tomatoes, and melted cheese. A flavorful, healthy dish perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ 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 the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the 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 hot grill and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is fully cooked. Avoid flipping frequently to achieve a nice sear on each side.
- Add Toppings: Once the chicken is grilled, top each piece with sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Close the grill lid for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly over the chicken.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor but no less than 30 minutes.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer darker meat and a juicier texture.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop works great.
- To make this low sodium, reduce or omit the added salt.
- For dairy-free, omit the cheese or replace with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tang, but it’s optional.
Keywords: grilled chicken avocado, California avocado chicken, summer grilled chicken, healthy grilled chicken, chicken with avocado and tomatoes
