Okay, listen up, because this Grilled California Avocado Chicken? It’s a game-changer. Seriously! It’s ridiculously easy, tastes like you spent hours slaving away, *and* it’s actually good for you. I mean, come on, avocado *and* grilled chicken? Yes, please!
I stumbled on this kinda by accident, actually. I was trying to be all healthy (you know, for like, a week), and I had some chicken and a perfectly ripe avocado staring me down. A little lime juice, some spices, and BAM! My new favorite weeknight dinner was born.
It’s seriously ready in, like, no time. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving but also, like, super lazy. Plus, it fits right into a healthy lifestyle – all that protein and those good fats from the California avocado… you can’t beat it! Trust me, this Grilled California Avocado Chicken will become a staple.
Grilled California Avocado Chicken Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk ingredients. You’ll want good stuff here, okay? No skimping! This Grilled California Avocado Chicken is all about fresh flavors, so quality matters. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each): Don’t go too crazy with the size here. You want them to cook evenly, you know?
- 1 ripe California avocado (halved, pitted, and sliced): Okay, this is key! Make sure it’s a *California* avocado. They just have the best flavor, trust me. It should be ripe but still firm enough to slice nicely. You don’t want mush!
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Good quality stuff! It makes a difference in the marinade.
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice: Fresh is *always* best! Bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same zing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: I’m all about easy, so garlic powder it is. But if you’re feeling fancy, you can totally use fresh minced garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Kosher salt just tastes better, okay? Don’t ask me why, it just does!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground): Please, please, *please* use freshly ground black pepper! It adds so much more flavor than the pre-ground stuff.
That’s it! Simple, right? Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Grilled California Avocado Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, now for the fun part! This Grilled California Avocado Chicken is seriously simple to make, but let’s walk through it step-by-step so you get it perfect every time. Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you!
Marinating the Grilled California Avocado Chicken
First, grab a bowl or a zip-top bag – whatever’s easiest for you. I usually use a bowl ’cause I’m lazy and don’t want to waste plastic. Toss those chicken breasts in there and pour that olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper all over ’em. Make sure they’re coated really well, like *really* well, so they get all that flavor. Now, pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better, honestly!
Grilling the Chicken for Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Okay, preheat your grill to medium heat – you don’t want it screaming hot, or you’ll burn the outside before the inside is cooked! Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side. The *real* way to tell if it’s done? Use a meat thermometer! You want it to hit 165°F (74°C) internally. Trust me on this one, nobody wants undercooked chicken!
Adding the California Avocado to Your Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Carefully take the grilled chicken off the grill and put it on a plate. Now, gently lay those beautiful slices of California avocado on top of each chicken breast. I like to lightly press them down so they kinda stick. And that’s it! Serve it up while it’s hot. Seriously, how easy was that?!
Tips for the Best Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Okay, want to take your Grilled California Avocado Chicken from “good” to “OMG amazing?” Here are my secrets! First, pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels *before* you marinate them. Trust me, the marinade sticks better that way. Also, don’t overcrowd the grill, okay? Give those babies some space so they can get a nice sear.
And about that avocado? It *has* to be ripe, but still firm. You want it to slice nicely, not turn into mush when it hits the hot chicken. My favorite part is that little bit of char you can get on the avocado slices if you leave the chicken on the grill for an extra minute after adding them, but be careful not to burn them!
Variations for Your Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Grilled California Avocado Chicken, right? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! I love this recipe because it’s like a blank canvas – you can add all sorts of stuff to make it your own.
First off, try different herbs! Cilantro is amazing with the lime and avocado. Or how about some fresh parsley? For a little kick, add a pinch of chili powder or cumin to the marinade. Ooh, and if you’re feeling *really* wild, top it with some thinly sliced red onion or crumbled feta cheese. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion in your mouth! Don’t be afraid to experiment and see what you like best!
Serving Suggestions for Grilled California Avocado Chicken
So, you’ve got your amazing Grilled California Avocado Chicken… now what? Don’t just eat it plain! You gotta have some sides, right? I love serving mine with a fluffy bed of quinoa or some steamed rice. A fresh salad is always a good choice, too! Or, if you’re grilling anyway, throw on some veggies like asparagus or zucchini. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things people always ask me about my Grilled California Avocado Chicken. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
Can I use frozen chicken for Grilled California Avocado Chicken?
Okay, so technically, yeah, you *can* use frozen chicken. But, and this is a big BUT, make sure it’s *completely* thawed first! Like, all the way. Pop it in the fridge overnight, okay? Just know that frozen chicken tends to be a little more watery, so it might not be *quite* as flavorful. Fresh is always best, trust me!
How long does Grilled California Avocado Chicken last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers? If you *really* have any (it’s usually gone in seconds at my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. But honestly, it’s best eaten fresh, so try not to make too much extra!
Can I use a different type of avocado for Grilled California Avocado Chicken?
Okay, so I’m a *huge* fan of California avocados – they’re just creamier and tastier, in my opinion. But if you can’t find them, a Hass avocado will work just fine! Just be aware that the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Still delicious, though!
How to Store and Reheat Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Okay, so you have leftover Grilled California Avocado Chicken (lucky you!). Pop it in an airtight container – that’s key! For reheating, the oven’s best, but a microwave works in a pinch. Just be aware, that avocado might brown a bit. Still tastes great, though!
Nutritional Information for Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Now, I’m no nutritionist, so take this with a grain of (kosher!) salt, okay? The nutritional information for this Grilled California Avocado Chicken can vary *a lot* depending on the size of your chicken breasts, the brand of olive oil you use, and all that jazz.
So, just keep in mind that any numbers you see are just estimates, not exact science. Don’t come yelling at me if your calorie count is slightly different, okay? I’m just trying to give you a general idea!
Enjoy Your Grilled California Avocado Chicken!
Okay, seriously, what are you waiting for? Go make this Grilled California Avocado Chicken! I promise you won’t regret it. And hey, when you do, come back here and leave a comment – tell me what you thought! Don’t forget to rate the recipe, and share it with all your friends on social media so they can enjoy it, too!
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Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe: Unveiling Secret
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a healthy and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 California avocado, halved, pitted, and sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Grill chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Top chicken with sliced avocado.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with 1/2 avocado
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
