Grilled Avocado Chicken is a tasty dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with creamy avocado. It’s like a summer party on your plate!
The best part? You can whip it up in no time! I usually serve it with a salad, and honestly, the creamy avocado makes everything better. You just can’t go wrong! 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to grill and stay juicy. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work well too. They’re a bit richer in flavor and also tender!
Avocado: A ripe avocado brings creaminess to the dish. If they’re not in season, consider using guacamole for added flavor or even a dollop of Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and freshness. If you can’t find them, regular tomatoes diced small will do fine. You can even substitute with diced mango for a fruity twist!
Spices: The spice blend is key for flavor. You can swap out cumin for coriander or add some cayenne for heat – adjust to your liking!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy on the Grill?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here are my top tips to keep it juicy:
- Marinate or coat the chicken to lock in moisture before grilling.
- Don’t overcook! Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest after grilling for 3-5 minutes. This helps redistribute juices, keeping the meat tender.
These tips will help you create a delicious grilled chicken dish every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Grilled Avocado Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Optional: extra cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Grilled Avocado Chicken recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes getting everything ready and another 20 minutes grilling the chicken and preparing the salsa. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend BBQ!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a nice sear on your chicken!
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well until combined.
3. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and brush them generously with the spice mixture on both sides. Make sure they are coated evenly to get a great flavor!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken on the grill. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and has nice grill marks. Be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
5. Make the Avocado Salsa:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare your avocado salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Toss everything together gently to combine.
6. Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the chicken juicy!
7. Assemble and Serve:
Top each grilled chicken breast with a generous scoop of the avocado salsa. Feel free to add extra chopped cilantro on top for a beautiful presentation.
8. Enjoy!
Your Grilled Avocado Chicken is ready to be served! It’s delicious on its own or paired with a salad. Enjoy this light and vibrant meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time since dark meat may take a bit longer to cook through.
What If My Avocado Is Not Ripe?
If your avocado isn’t ripe yet, you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two. If you’re in a pinch, consider using store-bought guacamole instead for the salsa!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled chicken and avocado salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days, while the salsa is best eaten within 1-2 days to avoid browning of the avocado.
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Salsa?
Of course! Feel free to get creative with your salsa. Diced bell peppers, corn, or even cucumber make great additions for extra flavor and texture. Just ensure to adjust the lime juice and seasonings to balance all the flavors!
