This Grilled Avocado Chicken is a tasty and healthy dish that mixes tender chicken with creamy avocado. It’s great for a quick weeknight dinner!
Honestly, who can resist grilled chicken topped with fresh avocado? It’s like a hug on a plate! I love serving it with a side salad or some rice for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I suggest using boneless, skinless chicken for easy grilling. If you’re looking for an alternative, turkey cutlets or even firm tofu work well to keep it healthy.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the spices stick. However, you could use avocado oil or any light oil like canola if you prefer.
Cumin & Chili Powder: This combination gives a nice warmth to the dish. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder or use smoked paprika for a smoky touch. For a spicy kick, try cayenne pepper instead!
Avocado: Ripe avocados make this dish creamy and delicious. If you can’t find ripe ones, just sub with guacamole for a quick fix.
Cilantro: I love fresh cilantro for its bright flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute. Or skip it altogether!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful. Start with marinating your chicken well so it absorbs all those spices.
- Marinate for at least 15 minutes or longer in the fridge for more flavor.
- Make sure your grill is hot before placing the chicken on it. This helps with that delicious char.
- Don’t flip the chicken too often; let it cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until it’s fully done and reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Lastly, let your chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep the juices inside.
Grilled Avocado Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Optional: lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes about 15 minutes for marinating and another 15 minutes for grilling and preparing the salsa. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful spice marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts to ensure they’re fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavors.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Make the Avocado Salsa:
While the chicken is grilling, grab a bowl and gently mix together the diced avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Give it a light stir and season with a pinch of salt if desired. This fresh salsa will add a wonderful topping to your chicken!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes on a plate. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy.
6. Top with Salsa:
Serve each grilled chicken breast topped generously with the avocado salsa. Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
This delicious Grilled Avocado Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, so just adjust the cooking time slightly, grilling them for about 7-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken and Salsa?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The avocado salsa is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated in a separate container for up to 1 day. Just be aware that the avocado may brown a bit!
Can I Make This Recipe on a Stovetop Grill Pan?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan works just fine! Preheat the pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it before adding the marinated chicken. Cook as directed, flipping halfway through to achieve that delicious grill mark effect.
What Can I Substitute for Lime Juice?
If you don’t have lime juice, lemon juice is a great substitute and will still add that lovely acidity to the dish. You could also use a splash of vinegar if you’re in a pinch!
