Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a flavorful and healthy meal featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with fresh avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a quick summer dinner, it’s enhanced with vibrant spices and fresh garnishes for a deliciously balanced dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- 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, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. 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, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping frequently to achieve a nice sear on each side.
- Add Toppings: Once the chicken is cooked through, top each piece with sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Close the grill lid for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt slightly over the warm chicken.
- 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 complete meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works well for this recipe.
- Use ripe California avocados for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish but is optional.
- For extra flavor, add diced red onion as a topping.
- Internal chicken temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Keywords: grilled chicken, avocado chicken, healthy chicken recipe, California avocado, summer dinner, grilled chicken breasts, easy grill recipes
