This dish features juicy grilled chicken topped with creamy avocado salsa, making it fresh and flavorful. It’s perfect for a sunny day or a cozy dinner!
Who can resist that combination? Plus, the avocado salsa is so simple; it takes only a few minutes to whip up. I love serving this with a side of rice—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for grilling. If you’re looking for alternatives, try chicken thighs for darker meat or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps with browning. You can substitute with avocado oil or canola oil if you wish. I love using avocado oil for its high smoke point.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin create a lovely seasoning. Don’t hesitate to switch the paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or the cumin for chili powder if you enjoy a little heat.
Avocados: Ripe avocados are key for a creamy salsa. If they’re not available, you could use diced mango or peaches for a fruity twist, but be cautious of addng more lime juice since they’ll be juicier.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright taste. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can work well too!
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but a few simple steps can guarantee juicy results. First, ensure your grill is hot enough before you start cooking—medium-high heat is ideal.
- Rub the chicken with the seasoning mix evenly, which enhances the flavor.
- Place the chicken breasts on the grill without moving them for the first 6-7 minutes. Let them develop nice grill marks!
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling; this keeps it juicy as the juices redistribute.
Follow these steps for a delicious, perfectly cooked chicken every time!
How to Make Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll have a delicious grilled chicken meal ready in about 30-35 minutes, including the time you need to make the fresh avocado salsa!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. This step is essential to get that wonderful grilled flavor and nice grill marks on the chicken.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. This spice mixture is going to give your chicken a ton of flavor! Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts until they’re evenly coated.
3. Grilling the Chicken:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have those lovely grill marks. Make sure they’re cooked through but still juicy!
4. Making the Avocado Salsa:
While the chicken is grilling, it’s time to whip up the avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss everything together so it all mixes well. Add a pinch of salt to taste!
5. Resting the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done grilling, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy by allowing the juices to redistribute.
6. Serving:
Slice the grilled chicken and serve it topped with the fresh avocado salsa. Enjoy your delicious meal right away. It’s fresh, flavorful, and sure to impress!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even marinated tofu for a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—thighs may take a bit longer, while tofu can be grilled for 4-5 minutes per side until heated through.
How Do I Ripen Avocados Quickly?
If you need your avocados to ripen faster, place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana. The ethylene gas produced by these fruits will speed up the ripening process. Check them after a day or two; once they’re soft to the touch, they’re ready to use!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salsa?
Store grilled chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers. The chicken will stay good in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, while the avocado salsa should ideally be consumed within 1-2 days to prevent browning. To keep the salsa fresh, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
Can I Grill the Chicken Indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop if you don’t have an outdoor grill. Make sure to preheat the grill pan and cook over medium-high heat as you would on an outdoor grill. Just keep an eye on the kitchen ventilation, as it can create some smoke.
