Description
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe features juicy marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and topped with creamy California avocado slices, fresh cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese. It’s a wholesome, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner with optional fresh herbs and balsamic glaze to elevate the taste.
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 2 California avocados, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
Optional:
- Chopped cilantro
- Balsamic glaze
- Diced red onion
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. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking, ensuring beautiful grill marks.
- 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 (74°C). Avoid flipping frequently to allow a nice sear to form on each side.
- Add Toppings: Once cooked, top each chicken breast 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 on top.
- Serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to serving plates. Garnish with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and optional diced red onion if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor; marinating longer up to 4 hours enhances taste even more.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid undercooking.
- California avocados add a creamy texture and rich flavor making them ideal for this dish.
- Substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or a cheese of your choice that melts well.
- Serve with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.
- To prevent avocado browning, add toppings just before serving or squeeze a bit of lime juice on avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: grilled chicken avocado, California avocado chicken, grilled chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, easy grilled chicken, chicken with avocado toppings, summer grilling recipes
