Name: Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 California avocados, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese; Chopped cilantro, balsamic glaze, diced red onion (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

Looking for something that just screams sunshine and summer grilling? This Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe is my go-to when I want a dish that’s colorful, packed with flavor, and yet surprisingly easy to make. Imagine juicy, marinated chicken crowned with creamy avocado, tangy tomatoes, and a blanket of melty cheese—finished with fresh cilantro and a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze. Every bite captures the essence of California: vibrant, fresh, and absolutely irresistible!

Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh stars, each ingredient in this Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe brings its own magic. The marinade, toppings, and garnishes blend for layers of flavor and perfect texture—nothing is here by accident!

Chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose boneless, skinless pieces to soak up all those bold flavors and grill up beautifully tender.
Olive oil: Gives the marinade richness and ensures the chicken stays juicy on the grill.
Fresh lime juice: Adds zingy brightness that penetrates the meat—don’t skip fresh-squeezed!
Garlic: Aromatic and savory, it intensifies the flavor of every bite.
Paprika: Delivers a touch of smoky warmth that’s subtle yet essential.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness and a whisper of depth for that California flair.
Salt: Enhances every other flavor in the marinade—season generously.
Black pepper: Balances the spices with just the right amount of bite.
California avocados: The creamy, dreamy star of the show—make sure they’re perfectly ripe.
Cherry tomatoes: Their sweet, juicy burst adds color and a pop of freshness.
Shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey finish.
Chopped cilantro: Sprinkle on top for a vibrant, herbal lift.
Balsamic glaze: Drizzle for a sweet-tangy contrast that ties everything together.
Diced red onion: Optional, but it adds crunch and sharpness that counters the creamy avocado.

How to Make Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whipping up the marinade: in a bowl or handy zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until it’s glossy and well-mixed. Toss in your chicken, coating each piece so it soaks up every drop of flavor. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—though if you can wait, letting it marinate up to four hours only makes it better!

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Fire up your grill or grill pan to a medium-high heat. While it’s heating, take a moment to oil the grates lightly—this prevents any sticking so you get those gorgeous grill marks without losing a bit of that marinated goodness.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Shake off any excess marinade from the chicken, then lay each piece on the hot grill. Let them sear undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes per side (don’t be tempted to flip and fuss too much!). Grill until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Those golden grill lines are your sign of flavor locked in!

Step 4: Add Toppings

The real California magic happens here: top each chicken piece with sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and a flourish of shredded cheese. Lower the grill lid and let the heat gently melt the cheese—about 1 to 2 minutes is all it takes. Trust me, this step takes the Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe from great to unforgettable.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the chicken to plates and sprinkle with lots of fresh cilantro. If you’re in the mood, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a scattering of diced red onion. Serve right away while it’s still piping hot, with your favorite sides. Get ready to impress!

How to Serve Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped cilantro does more than add color—it brings a refreshing herby punch. For a sweet tang, finish with a generous swirl of balsamic glaze. Optional but delightful: a few diced red onions give a mild bite and crunch that balances the creaminess of the avocado beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe with sides that celebrate its West Coast roots. Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple arugula salad. Even warm tortillas make a fun, hands-on way to enjoy every last bite!

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a bed of mixed greens for a stunning salad, or tuck it inside toasted ciabatta for a sandwich that’s picnic-ready. For gatherings, arrange the pieces on a platter, letting the rainbow of toppings and garnishes entice everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully. Wrap chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. This lets you enjoy a quick lunch or dinner that’s just as satisfying as day one.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, do so before adding avocado and toppings for best results. Wrap grilled chicken tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and refresh with fresh avocado and cheese when serving.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in a covered skillet or microwave to retain juiciness, then top with chilled avocado, tomatoes, and cheese. If you’d like the cheese gooey again, pop under the broiler just until melted—perfection!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a delicious, juicy alternative and soak up the marinade just as well. Simply adjust the grilling time if they’re thicker.

What can I use instead of mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese?

Feel free to try provolone, pepper jack for some heat, or even crumbled feta for a tangy twist. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well and complements the creamy avocado.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use an instant-read thermometer for best results: the internal temperature should reach 165°F. You’ll also notice juices run clear and the chicken feels firm but still springy.

Can I make this recipe on a stove-top grill pan?

Absolutely! A grill pan works great if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Just be sure to preheat and lightly oil to prevent sticking, and keep an eye for those telltale grill marks.

Is it necessary to use California avocados?

While any ripe, creamy avocado works, California avocados are prized for their buttery texture and rich flavor—worth seeking out if you can! They truly make this Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe shine.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe a try soon! Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s a dish that always draws a crowd and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy every fresh, flavorful bite!

Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy grilled chicken with creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and grill for 6–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid flipping frequently to get a nice sear.
Add Toppings: Once the chicken is cooked, top with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Close the grill lid for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese slightly.
Serve: Transfer to plates, garnish with cilantro or balsamic glaze, and serve immediately with favorite sides.

Notes

You can customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like diced red onion, salsa, or hot sauce.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American