Juicy Grilled California Avocado Chicken (Printable version)
Tender grilled chicken crowned with creamy California avocado salsa, tomatoes, cilantro and lime.
# Ingredient list:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - juice of 1 lime
→ Avocado Salsa
09 - 2 ripe California avocados, diced
10 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
11 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - juice of 1 lime
14 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
02 - In a small bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, and lime juice until fully integrated.
03 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides thoroughly with the prepared marinade.
04 - Arrange chicken breasts on the grill. Cook 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes.
05 - In a medium bowl, gently toss together diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, sea salt, black pepper, and jalapeño if using until just combined.
06 - Place grilled chicken breasts on plates and spoon avocado salsa generously over each portion before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marinated chicken stays impossibly juicy and soaks up just enough char for irresistible flavor.
- The avocado salsa brings a cool, creamy crunch that makes the whole plate sing.
02 -
- If you skip resting the chicken after grilling, all that precious juice will run away the moment you slice—it really does matter.
- I used to add the avocado too early and ended up with mush; tossing it in last keeps every chunk perfect.
03 -
- Always oil your grill grates before heating—this prevents sticking and helps with those dreamy grill marks.
- The trick to the brightest salsa is juicing the lime right before tossing everything together.