Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe features juicy, marinated chicken breasts or thighs grilled to perfection and topped with creamy California avocados, fresh cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. Enhanced with vibrant flavors from lime juice, garlic, cumin, and paprika, this dish is perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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 garnish)
- Diced red onion (optional garnish)
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 or thighs to the mixture and coat them thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- 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. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping frequently to allow a nice sear to develop on each side.
- 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 it sit for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts slightly.
- Serve: Transfer the topped grilled chicken to plates. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and diced red onion if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Make sure the grill is well-preheated to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use ripe California avocados for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Balsamic glaze adds a nice sweet tang but can be omitted if preferred.
Keywords: grilled chicken, avocado chicken, California avocado, grilled chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, lime marinated chicken, summer grilling
