California Avocado Grilled Chicken | Easy Healthy Chicken Dinner Recipe
Discover the vibrant taste of California! Succulent chili-lime chicken, perfectly grilled, then crowned with cool, creamy avocado.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 ripe California avocados
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lime, juiced (divided)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, combine the olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of the lime juice. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat completely. Let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with nice grill marks. Remove from heat and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: While the chicken rests, prepare the avocado topping. Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Mash lightly with a fork, leaving some chunks for texture. Stir in the remaining lime juice, half of the chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Slice the rested grilled chicken breasts against the grain into thick strips or leave whole. Serve the chicken immediately, topped generously with the fresh California avocado mixture and a sprinkle of the remaining fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the fresh avocado topping is best enjoyed immediately due to browning, so consider making a fresh batch if you have leftovers.
- To reheat leftover chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave briefly until just heated through, to prevent it from drying out.
- While delicious on its own, this flavorful chicken and avocado pairing also shines when served over a bed of fluffy rice, alongside a fresh green salad, or even tucked into warm tortillas for a quick taco night twist.
- For exceptionally juicy grilled chicken, always allow the cooked breasts to rest for at least 5 minutes off the heat before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 grilled chicken breast (approx. 5 oz / 140g) with 1/2 medium avocado
- Calories: 405
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g