Grilled California Avocado Chicken

This hearty Grilled California Avocado Chicken has been my go-to recipe for easy summer entertaining that never fails to impress guests while keeping my effort minimal. The combination of juicy grilled chicken with creamy avocado creates the perfect balance of flavors that's both satisfying and refreshing.

I developed this recipe during a particularly hot summer when I wanted something filling but not heavy. Now it's requested at every backyard gathering we host, and my neighbor even asked for the recipe after smelling it cooking over the fence!

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide the perfect canvas for the flavorful marinade and toppings. Choose pieces of equal thickness for even cooking.
• Fresh lime juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken. Always use fresh limes rather than bottled juice for the best flavor.
• Paprika and cumin: Create a warm spice profile that complements the avocado without overpowering it. Toast your cumin briefly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor.
• California avocados: Bring the creamy richness that makes this dish special. Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect ripeness.
• Cherry tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and beautiful color contrast. Select bright colored tomatoes with tight skin for the freshest flavor.
• Shredded cheese: Creates a melty layer that helps bind the toppings to the chicken. Monterey Jack offers a mild flavor that works perfectly here.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Marinade:

Combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl and whisk until well blended. This marinade is the flavor foundation of the dish so make sure spices are evenly distributed throughout the liquid.

Marinate the Chicken:

Place chicken breasts in the marinade ensuring each piece is fully coated. Press out excess air if using a zip bag. Let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but no more than 4 hours as the acidity in the lime juice can start to break down the texture if left too long.

Prepare the Grill:

Heat your grill to medium high heat around 375°F to 400°F. Clean the grates thoroughly and oil them using a paper towel dipped in neutral oil held with tongs. This crucial step prevents sticking and creates those beautiful grill marks.

Grill with Patience:

Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill and resist the urge to move it for at least 6 minutes. This allows the chicken to develop caramelization and those coveted grill marks. After flipping, grill for another 6 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Add the Toppings:

When the chicken is fully cooked, carefully layer the sliced avocado on top, followed by halved cherry tomatoes and a generous sprinkle of cheese. Close the grill lid to create an oven effect that will gently melt the cheese without overcooking the fresh toppings.

Rest and Serve:

Allow the chicken to rest for 2 minutes after removing from the grill to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat. This ensures maximum juiciness in every bite.

Save

The California avocado truly makes this dish special. I discovered their creamy texture and buttery flavor transformed this from a basic grilled chicken recipe into something memorable during a trip to San Diego farmers markets. My family now judges all avocados against these, and we plan our menu around when they're in season.

Make Ahead Options

This chicken dish works beautifully for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. For entertaining, grill the chicken beforehand and reheat it at 300°F just until warm, then add the toppings fresh before serving. The chicken itself also makes excellent leftovers for salads or wraps the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If California avocados aren't available, Hass avocados make a good substitute though they tend to be smaller so you may need an extra one. For a dairy free version, skip the cheese or use a plant based mozzarella alternative. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for a more flavorful, juicier option especially if you're concerned about overcooking. They typically need an extra 2 3 minutes of cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal, serve alongside cilantro lime rice or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lime juice. For a lower carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or with roasted vegetables. If entertaining, consider setting up a topping bar with additional options like diced red onion, jalapeños, and various salsas so guests can customize their plates.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully as a substitute. They tend to be more flavorful and forgiving on the grill. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take 1-2 minutes longer per side to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Without a thermometer, check that the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the meat is firm but not hard when pressed.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Light, fresh sides complement this dish perfectly. Consider cilantro-lime rice, a simple green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or roasted vegetables. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a colorful slaw.

→ How do I select the perfect avocados?

Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren't soft or mushy. For this dish, avocados that are just ripe work best as they'll hold their shape better when sliced. If buying ahead, select firmer avocados and allow them to ripen at room temperature.

→ Can I make this dish without a grill?

Absolutely! A cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a regular skillet over medium-high heat, or even bake it in the oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes before adding the toppings.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours, as the acid in the lime juice can break down the protein too much, resulting in mushy chicken.