Irresistible Avocado Chicken Bites: Your Ultimate Easy Party Appetizer
Looking for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy chicken appetizer for your next party or get-together? These homemade Avocado Chicken Bites are packed with fresh, creamy guacamole, zesty salsa-infused shredded chicken, and bright cilantro. Perfect for casual snacking or elegant entertaining, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Avocado Chicken Bites, often affectionately called Guacamole Chicken Bites, offer a delightful explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors in every convenient, bite-sized package. Imagine crunchy tortilla chip scoops, generously filled with luscious, homemade guacamole, topped with tender, spicy salsa chicken, and garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These vibrant appetizers are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes, making them a fantastic addition to any menu.
Forget the stress of elaborate party preparations; this recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing taste. The beauty of these bites lies in their versatility. They’re equally at home at a casual brunch, as a satisfying afternoon snack, or as a vibrant accompaniment to your favorite Mexican main courses. Their grab-and-go format makes them ideal for mingling and keeps your guests coming back for more.
Transform any gathering into a festive fiesta by serving these Guacamole Chicken Bites alongside other Mexican favorites. Pair them with delicious Taco Cups, a fresh batch of Pico de Gallo, and a warm, gooey Crockpot Queso. With minimal effort, you can create an impressive spread that will delight your guests and make you the star of the party.
Why These Avocado Chicken Bites Will Be Your New Favorite Appetizer
These Avocado Chicken Bites aren’t just another appetizer; they’re a revelation! Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:
- Effortlessly Quick and Easy – Life is busy, and sometimes you need a show-stopping dish that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. With a mere 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cooking, this recipe is perfect for last-minute entertaining or a speedy weeknight treat. You’ll spend less time preparing and more time enjoying delicious food and great company.
- Wholesome and Delicious – Crafted with fresh, wholesome ingredients like creamy avocado and lean chicken breast, these bites offer a nutritious alternative to many traditional appetizers. You can indulge guilt-free, knowing you’re serving something both healthy and bursting with incredible flavor. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being.
- Perfectly Portable Finger Food – Whether you’re heading to a picnic, a potluck, a backyard BBQ, or an outdoor concert, these bite-sized treats are incredibly convenient. Their sturdy tortilla scoop base means no messy plates or utensils are needed, making them the ultimate grab-and-go snack for any occasion.
- Flavorful Leftovers (If There Are Any!) – While it’s rare to have leftovers of something this delicious, these Guacamole Chicken Bites actually get better with age! Repurpose any remaining components as a vibrant topping for fresh salads, a savory filling for wraps, or a delicious spread for sandwiches the next day. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a convenient and flavorful meal option without any extra cooking.
- Highly Customizable – Adapt this recipe to suit any preference or dietary need. Want more heat? Add extra chili powder or a dash of hot sauce. Prefer a vegetarian option? Replace the chicken with black beans or a medley of roasted vegetables. The possibilities are endless, ensuring everyone can enjoy these fantastic bites.
Gather Your Ingredients: Essential Supplies for Avocado Chicken Bites
For precise measurements and the complete recipe, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
Creating these delightful Avocado Chicken Bites requires just a handful of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
For the Irresistible Guacamole:
- Avocado: The star of the show! Choose ripe, slightly soft avocados for the creamiest, most flavorful guacamole. Hass avocados are usually best.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a pungent kick and essential texture. Red or white onion works well.
- Tomato: Diced tomato brings a fresh, juicy element and a hint of sweetness. Roma tomatoes are a great choice for less water content.
- Chili Powder: For a warm, earthy spice that complements the other flavors. Adjust to your heat preference.
- Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a subtle smoky-sweet flavor that enhances the overall profile.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the vibrant tastes and balance the flavors.
For the Zesty Salsa Chicken and Assembly:
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast shreds beautifully after being cooked in salsa, soaking up all the savory goodness.
- Salsa: Your favorite salsa is key here – mild, medium, or hot, choose one that you love! It provides moisture, flavor, and a touch of spice for the chicken.
- Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro is the perfect garnish, adding a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color to finish off the bites.
- Tortilla Chip Scoops: These sturdy, scoop-shaped chips are perfect for holding all the delicious fillings without breaking, ensuring a mess-free and satisfying bite.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Avocado Chicken Bites
Making these crowd-pleasing Avocado Chicken Bites is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious result:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken. Begin by preheating your oven to 350º F (175º C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly. Place the chicken breast in a small, oven-safe baking dish. Pour your chosen salsa generously over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. This step infuses the chicken with rich, zesty flavor.
- Bake & Shred. Bake the chicken for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165º F (74º C). Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Using two forks, easily shred the tender chicken right in the baking dish, allowing it to mix thoroughly with the salsa juices for maximum flavor and moisture.
- Prepare Fresh Guacamole. While the chicken bakes, prepare your guacamole. Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, carefully remove the pits, and scoop the creamy flesh into a medium-sized bowl. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency – whether you prefer it smooth or slightly chunky. Then, add the finely chopped onion, diced tomato, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until they are thoroughly combined and the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Arrange Tortilla Chips. Lay out your tortilla chip scoops neatly on a large serving platter. Arrange them in a way that makes them easy for guests to pick up, creating an attractive presentation.
- Fill Chips with Guacamole. Take about 1 tablespoon of your freshly made guacamole and spoon it into each tortilla chip scoop. Spread it gently to fill the base of the chip, creating a creamy foundation for the chicken.
- Top with Chicken, Garnish, and Serve. Finally, place a small, generous amount of the shredded salsa chicken on top of the guacamole in each chip. For a final flourish and a burst of fresh flavor, garnish each bite with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Expert Tips & Tricks for Perfect Avocado Chicken Bites Every Time
Mastering these Avocado Chicken Bites is simple, but a few clever tips can elevate your experience and ensure perfectly delicious results. Here are some of our best advice:
- Save Time with Rotisserie Chicken: For those days when you’re really short on time but still want homemade taste, let the grocery store do the heavy lifting! Grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shred it, and simply toss it with your favorite salsa. This quick hack bypasses the baking step entirely, making assembly even faster.
- Embrace Store-Bought Guacamole: While homemade guacamole is fantastic, there’s absolutely no shame in reaching for quality store-bought guacamole on busy days. Many brands offer delicious, ready-made options that can save you valuable prep time without compromising on flavor. Just ensure it’s a brand you enjoy!
- Personalize the Spice Level: Your kitchen, your rules! Love a fiery kick? Feel free to add an extra dash of chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a few drops of hot sauce to both your chicken and guacamole. Prefer things mild? Keep the spices light or choose a milder salsa. This recipe is incredibly adaptable to your personal heat preference.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t limit yourself! Dive into your pantry and fridge for additional toppings to customize your bites. Think thinly sliced jalapeños for extra crunch and heat, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, a dollop of cooling sour cream or Greek yogurt, or even some crumbled cotija cheese.
- Mix Up the Salsa Flavors: Experiment with different types of salsa to entirely change the flavor profile of your chicken. Instead of traditional tomato-based salsa, try a vibrant mango salsa for a sweet and savory twist, a smoky chipotle salsa for depth, or a zesty tomatillo salsa for a brighter, tangy note.
- Double the Deliciousness for Parties: These bites are notoriously popular, especially at gatherings! If you’re hosting a party or expecting a crowd, it’s always a good idea to double or even triple the ingredients. After all, more is always merrier when it comes to delicious appetizers, and you’ll want to ensure there’s enough to go around.
- Ensure Avocados are Ripe: The key to great guacamole is perfectly ripe avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. Unripe avocados will be hard to mash and lack flavor, while overripe ones might have brown spots and an unpleasant taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avocado Chicken Bites
Absolutely! Pre-cooked chicken, such as a store-bought rotisserie chicken, works wonderfully and is a fantastic time-saver. Simply shred it and toss it with your desired amount of salsa before adding it to the tortilla scoops.
The spice level is entirely in your hands! You can easily adjust the amount of chili powder and paprika in the guacamole, and choose a mild, medium, or hot salsa for the chicken, to perfectly suit your taste buds and those of your guests.
Yes, you can! To ensure maximum freshness and prevent the guacamole from browning, it’s best to prepare the individual components (guacamole and salsa chicken) in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the bites just before serving to maintain the crunch of the chips and the vibrant color of the avocado.
Certainly! While tortilla scoops are ideal for their shape and crunch, you can get creative. For a lower-carb option, consider using crisp cucumber slices, bell pepper cups, or sturdy lettuce cups. Mini toasts or crackers can also work if you’re looking for a different texture.
If you happen to have any leftovers, it’s best to store the components separately if possible to maintain quality. Guacamole should be stored in an airtight container with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface to prevent browning, lasting up to 1-2 days. The salsa chicken can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Assembled bites will get soggy quickly, so they are best enjoyed fresh.
These bites are fantastic on their own as an appetizer. For a complete meal or larger spread, serve them alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or a vibrant Southwest salad. They also pair wonderfully with a refreshing margarita or a cold cerveza.
Avocado Chicken Bites
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Ingredients
Guacamole
- 2 Avocados
- 3 Tablespoons onion, chopped
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 8 oz chicken breast
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Cilantro, for garnish
- Tortilla Chip Scoops
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C).
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Place chicken breast in a small baking dish and pour salsa over it. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from oven and shred the chicken using two forks, mixing it with the salsa in the pan.
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Meanwhile, prepare the guacamole. Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth or to your preferred consistency. Add chopped onion, tomato, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
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To serve, arrange tortilla chip scoops on a platter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of guacamole into each chip. Top with a portion of the shredded salsa chicken. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the top before serving immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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**This post is sponsored by Simply Avocado. I was compensated for my time to create this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.