Grilled Avocado Chicken is a fresh and tasty meal that combines juicy, smoky chicken with creamy, rich avocado. The chicken is grilled to perfection, giving it a nice char and smoky flavor, while the avocado adds a smooth texture and a hint of buttery goodness that pairs surprisingly well. It’s a simple dish that feels light but still satisfying, making it perfect for warm weather meals or a healthy weeknight dinner.
I love making this dish because it’s easy to put together but feels special enough to serve to friends or family. One of my favorite moves is tossing the grilled avocado with a little lime juice and cilantro—it brightens up the dish and gives it a fresh kick. Plus, grilling the avocado right alongside the chicken adds a little extra smokiness that takes it up a notch.
When I serve Grilled Avocado Chicken, I usually pair it with a simple salad or some grilled veggies on the side. It’s such a great balance of flavors and textures that it doesn’t need much else to shine. This dish always gets compliments, and it’s a fun way to switch up your usual chicken routine without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling and stay juicy. You can swap for chicken thighs if you want more flavor and slightly more fat.
Avocados: Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold shape when diced. If you can’t find avocados, diced mango can add a fresh, sweet twist.
Spices: Ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder build smoky, warm flavors. If you don’t have chili powder, paprika alone works, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Lime & Cilantro: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish and keeps avocado from turning brown. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note but parsley can be a good alternative.
How Do You Grill Chicken and Avocado for Best Flavor and Texture?
Grilling chicken and avocado together creates a smoky, tender dish, but timing and temperature matter:
- Marinate chicken about 20-30 mins to let spices soak in; avoid longer to keep meat tender.
- Preheat grill or pan to medium-high and oil it lightly to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken 6-7 mins per side until cooked through (165°F internal temp). Let rest before serving for juiciness.
- For avocado, grill quickly (1-2 mins) on each side if desired for smoky flavor. Otherwise, toss diced raw avocado with lime juice to keep fresh and flavorful.
- Top chicken with creamy avocado mixture right before serving to keep avocado texture nice.
Following these tips helps you keep chicken tasty and juicy, and avocado fresh with a pop of smoky goodness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I recommend a preheated grill for those nice charred marks and smoky flavor.
- Small mixing bowl – for making the spice marinade and tossing the avocado topping.
- Tongs or spatula – to flip and handle the chicken easily without piercing the meat.
- Meat thermometer – to ensure chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature (165°F).
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping the avocado, tomato, red onion, and cilantro.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat and richer flavor.
- Stir in diced mango or pineapple to the avocado topping for a sweet twist.
- Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta or queso fresco on top for extra creaminess and saltiness.
- Mix in shredded cheese or chopped jalapeños to customize the heat level and flavor profile.
Grilled Avocado Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for grilling
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional for mild heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Topping:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced (plus extra wedges for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 12-15 minutes of grilling time. Add another 20-30 minutes if you want to marinate the chicken for deeper flavor. In total, plan for around 30-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Spice Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Prepare and Marinate the Chicken:
Rub the marinade evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts. Cover and place in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. If short on time, you can skip marinating and grill right away.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and you see nice grill marks. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Prepare the Avocado Topping:
While the chicken cooks, combine the diced avocados, chopped tomato, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with a little salt and pepper and gently toss together.
5. Serve:
Once the chicken is grilled, let it rest for a few minutes. Then spoon the avocado topping over each chicken breast. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra fresh squeeze.
This delicious grilled avocado chicken pairs wonderfully with a green salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of rice for a healthy and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for Grilled Avocado Chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and grilling. This ensures even cooking and best texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Avocado Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado topping separate if possible to avoid browning. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can I Make the Avocado Topping Ahead of Time?
For best freshness, it’s ideal to prepare the avocado topping just before serving. If needed, make it up to 1 hour ahead and keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap to minimize browning.
What Can I Substitute for Cilantro in the Avocado Topping?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley or basil also work well to add a fresh, herbal touch to the avocado mixture.
