Grilled Avocado Chicken: Your Ultimate Healthy, Flavorful, and Easy Dinner Recipe
Discover the perfect balance of tender, juicy grilled chicken and a vibrant, fresh avocado and tomato salsa. This healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy dinner is ideal for any night of the week, bringing bright flavors to your table with minimal fuss.
If you’re searching for a meal that’s both light and fulfilling, bursting with fresh flavors, and simple to prepare, then this Grilled Avocado Chicken recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining smoky, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a creamy, zesty avocado salsa creates a dynamic dish that’s truly irresistible. It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you need a quick meal, a delightful addition to your family dinner rotation, or even an excellent choice for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week.
This recipe has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for over 15 years, and for good reason. It’s the quintessential summer meal, allowing you to keep the heat out of your house by firing up the grill, yet its bright, fresh flavors are welcome any time of year. The simplicity of grilling chicken and pairing it with a homemade salsa packed with fresh produce makes it a perennial favorite. The tangy lime, fragrant cilantro, and rich avocado come together to create a salsa that elevates the humble grilled chicken into a culinary experience.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly this grilled chicken with avocado salsa comes together. From the moment you start marinating the chicken to the first delicious bite, you’re looking at approximately 35 minutes. That includes the crucial marinating time that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and ensures it stays tender and juicy. And let’s talk about that avocado salsa – it’s not just an accompaniment; it’s a star in its own right, delivering a refreshing burst of taste and texture with every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Avocado Chicken Recipe
This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a vibrant, flavorful experience that offers numerous benefits:
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of a zesty lime-garlic marinade on the chicken and the creamy, fresh avocado salsa creates an explosion of taste that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- Quick & Easy: With only about 35 minutes from start to finish, including marinating time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals from the avocados and fresh vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel good about eating.
- Perfect for Summer (and Beyond!): Grilling keeps your kitchen cool, making it ideal for warmer months, but the bright flavors are a welcome addition to any season’s menu.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, from simple rice to a fresh green salad, allowing you to easily adapt it to your preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: While the salsa is best made fresh, the grilled chicken can be cooked ahead of time, making your meal prep a breeze.
Essential Ingredients for Grilled Avocado Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful meal. Many of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store. For specific quantities, remember to check the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for grilling, offering a lean protein base. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tender texture if preferred. If using thicker breasts, consider pounding them slightly for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Essential for both the chicken marinade and a touch in the salsa, providing a smooth texture and helping to tenderize the chicken.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is key! It brightens the chicken marinade with a zesty tang and is crucial for the vibrant flavor of the avocado salsa. It also helps prevent the avocados from browning.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the chicken with an aromatic, savory depth that perfectly complements the lime.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that are fundamental for enhancing all the natural flavors of both the chicken and the salsa.
- Avocados: Ripe, creamy avocados are the star of the salsa. Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are recommended for their firm texture and lower water content, making them ideal for dicing into salsa. Any fresh, ripe tomato will work, though.
- Onions: Finely diced red or white onion adds a sharp, piquant flavor to the salsa, providing a nice contrast to the creamy avocado.
- Cilantro: Fresh chopped cilantro is non-negotiable for this salsa! Its bright, herbaceous notes tie all the flavors together beautifully.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Grilled Avocado Chicken
Preparing this healthy and delicious meal is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled chicken and a sensational salsa.
- Marinate the Chicken: Begin by preparing your chicken marinade. In a large plastic zip-top bag or a shallow bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 20 minutes. This short marination time is enough to infuse the chicken with flavor and contribute to its tenderness. While the chicken marinates, it’s the perfect time to prepare your grill.
- Prepare the Avocado Salsa: While the chicken is marinating, turn your attention to the star topping – the avocado salsa. In a medium-sized bowl, gently mix together the diced ripe avocado, diced tomatoes, finely minced onion, and fresh chopped cilantro. Add a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Stir everything together until just combined, being careful not to mash the avocado too much if you prefer a chunkier salsa. Once mixed, cover the bowl and store the salsa in the refrigerator. This keeps it cool and fresh while the chicken cooks, and the lime juice helps maintain the avocado’s vibrant green color.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is key for achieving those beautiful sear marks and locking in the juices. Once hot, carefully place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill grates. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. For thinner chicken cutlets, it might only take about 4 minutes per side. The most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165º F (74º C) at its thickest part. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.
- Serve Immediately: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Transfer the grilled chicken to plates and generously top each piece with a dollop (or two!) of your freshly made avocado salsa. For an extra touch of freshness and presentation, you can garnish with additional lime wedges or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilled Avocado Chicken
Absolutely! If you don’t have an outdoor grill or prefer indoor cooking, this dish can easily be prepared on the stovetop. Simply heat a large skillet or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil if your pan isn’t non-stick. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, just as you would on the grill. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165º F (74º C) with a meat thermometer to confirm it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Yes, indeed! The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to various cooking methods. While grilling provides a unique smoky flavor, you can certainly bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425º F (220º C). Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165º F (74º C). Alternatively, an air fryer works wonderfully for crispy, tender chicken. For specific times and temperatures, you can follow general Air Fryer Chicken Breast instructions, adjusting for your specific model and chicken thickness.
For the best quality, the avocado salsa is most delicious and visually appealing when made just before serving. Avocados tend to brown and lose their firm texture when exposed to air for too long. However, you can chop all the other salsa ingredients (tomatoes, onion, cilantro) ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Then, simply dice and add the avocado, along with the lime juice, just before you’re ready to serve. The chicken, on the other hand, can be cooked ahead of time and gently reheated if desired, making it great for meal prep.
To select a perfect ripe avocado for your salsa, gently press on its skin. A ripe avocado will yield slightly to pressure, but it shouldn’t feel mushy. The skin color is also a good indicator; Hass avocados (the most common variety) will turn a darker purplish-black when ripe. Avoid avocados that are too hard (they’re not ripe yet) or those with large soft spots, which indicate overripeness or bruising.
If you love a little heat, consider adding finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper (remove seeds for less heat) to your avocado salsa. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also provide a subtle kick. Taste as you go to find your preferred level of spice!
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve with Avocado Chicken
This Grilled Avocado Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of your favorite sides. Its fresh and vibrant flavors mean it complements everything from simple grains to crisp salads. You can even serve it alongside Tortilla Chips for a fun, scoopable way to enjoy even more of that delicious salsa!
- Cilantro Lime Rice: A classic pairing that enhances the zesty notes of the chicken and salsa. The fluffy, fragrant rice is the perfect bed for this flavorful meal.
- Simple Tossed Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast and adds extra vegetables to your meal.
- Grilled Zucchini: Continue the grilled theme with some tender, smoky zucchini. It’s a healthy and easy vegetable side that cooks quickly.
- Quinoa Salad: For a heartier, protein-packed side, a vibrant quinoa salad complements the dish beautifully, offering diverse textures and nutrients.
- Black Beans: Simple seasoned black beans provide a delicious, filling, and complementary side, especially if you’re leaning into a more Tex-Mex flavor profile.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Cubed sweet potatoes roasted until tender and slightly caramelized offer a lovely sweetness that contrasts with the savory chicken and zesty salsa.
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Grilled Avocado Chicken
Achieve outstanding results every time with these valuable tips and tricks for making your Grilled Avocado Chicken truly exceptional:
- Freshness is Key for Salsa: While you can chop other salsa ingredients ahead, the avocado salsa is undeniably best when prepared just before serving. The vibrant green color and creamy texture of avocados begin to degrade rapidly once cut and exposed to air. The lime juice helps, but freshly made guarantees the best taste and appearance.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: One of the most common mistakes when grilling chicken is overcooking it, which results in dry, tough meat. The best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly juicy and tender is to use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C) at its thickest part. Remove it from the grill immediately once it hits this mark, as it will continue to cook slightly while resting.
- Preheat Your Grill Properly: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat while the chicken is marinating. Placing chicken on a very hot grill not only creates those coveted grill marks but also sears the exterior quickly. This searing action locks in the natural juices, contributing significantly to a more tender and delicious final product.
- Ensure Evenly Sized Chicken Pieces: For consistent cooking, it’s crucial to have chicken pieces that are roughly the same thickness. If you have a very large, thick chicken breast and a smaller, thinner one, the smaller piece will likely be overcooked by the time the larger one is done. You can achieve even thickness by gently pounding thicker chicken breasts with a meat mallet (between two pieces of plastic wrap) or by butterflying very large breasts and cutting them in half.
- Rest Your Chicken: After grilling, always let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices that have migrated to the center of the meat during cooking to redistribute throughout the entire breast, resulting in much juicier and more flavorful chicken.
- Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to experiment with the chicken marinade. A pinch of chili powder or cumin can add a smoky, earthy depth, or a touch of honey can introduce a subtle sweetness that caramelizes nicely on the grill.
- Lemon vs. Lime: While lime is traditional for this dish and highly recommended, lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch, offering a slightly different but still zesty flavor profile.
More Delicious Chicken Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you loved this Grilled Avocado Chicken, you’re in for a treat! Chicken is an incredibly versatile protein, and there are countless ways to prepare it for a delicious dinner. Here are some more of our favorite chicken recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends:
- Fiesta Lime Chicken
- Grilled Margarita Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Grilled Chicken Legs
5 from 2 votes
Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
4
Rate Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup lime juice, (about 3 limes)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 avocados, pitted and diced
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced
- 3 Tablespoons diced onion
- 2 Tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- Lime wedges, (optional)
Instructions
-
In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to ensure they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).1 clove garlic,
1/3 cup lime juice,
1 Tablespoon olive oil,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon black pepper,
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts -
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C) when measured with a meat thermometer. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
-
Meanwhile, prepare the salsa. In a bowl, combine the diced avocados, roma tomatoes, diced onion, chopped cilantro, salt, black pepper, and the juice from half a lime. Stir gently until well combined. Store in the fridge until ready to serve to keep it fresh and prevent browning.2 avocados,
2 roma tomatoes,
3 Tablespoons diced onion,
2 Tablespoons cilantro,
1/2 teaspoon salt,
1/2 teaspoon black pepper,
1/2 lime -
To serve, place about 1/4 cup of the fresh avocado salsa over each grilled chicken breast. Garnish with additional lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired for a vibrant presentation.Lime wedges
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 23g |
Protein: 41g |
Fat: 23g |
Saturated Fat: 4g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g |
Cholesterol: 102mg |
Sodium: 685mg |
Fiber: 9g |
Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
4
445
grilled chicken
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