Juicy Grilled California Avocado Chicken (Printable)
Grilled chicken crowned with creamy California avocado salsa, tomatoes and lime for a fresh, light main.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Avocado Salsa
09 - 2 ripe California avocados, diced
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
11 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - Juice of 1 lime
14 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
# Steps:
01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F.
02 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, ground black pepper, and lime juice.
03 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides evenly with prepared marinade.
04 - Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
05 - In a medium mixing bowl, gently toss diced avocados, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper, and minced jalapeño if desired.
06 - Arrange grilled chicken breasts on serving plates and top generously with fresh avocado salsa.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The avocado salsa brilliantly cools the heat from the smoky chicken, making each bite sing.
- It’s a fuss-free meal that feels special enough for guests, yet easy enough for any weeknight craving.
02 -
- If you rush and don’t let the chicken rest, all those good juices end up lost on the plate—not in your meal.
- Toss the salsa just before serving or the avocados can get a bit mushy.
03 -
- Always preheat the grill thoroughly or the chicken will stick and lose its crust.
- Dice the avocados just before assembling to keep them vibrantly green and creamy.