Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts evenly with the marinade. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Salsa
- In a small bowl, combine diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a splash of lime juice.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and nicely charred.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese over each chicken breast.
- Cover the grill or pan to allow the cheese to melt.
Step 5: Top & Serve
- Transfer grilled chicken to a platter.
- Spoon the fresh avocado salsa over each piece.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store cooked chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze grilled chicken (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating. Reheating:
Warm chicken in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add fresh salsa after reheating. 🥄 Variations Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the salsa. No Cheese: Skip the cheese for a dairy-free option. Different Cheese: Swap mozzarella with feta for a tangy bite. Herb Boost: Add chopped basil or mint for an herbaceous twist. Grilled Veggies: Serve with grilled zucchini or bell peppers on the side. Low-Carb: Serve over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice. Tortilla Wraps: Slice chicken and wrap with salsa in tortillas. Citrus Swap: Use lemon juice if limes aren't available. Protein Add-On: Top with a fried egg for a protein boost. Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes if grill is not available. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and grill beautifully. Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating enhances flavor, but even 15 minutes will make a difference. Can I make this ahead of time?
Grill chicken ahead, but prepare avocado salsa fresh to keep it vibrant. What’s the best avocado for this recipe?
Use ripe, but firm avocados that hold their shape. How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates well and don’t move the chicken too early. Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely — it's still delicious without. What’s a good side dish?
Cilantro-lime rice, black bean salad, or grilled corn go perfectly. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — just ensure spices and cheese are gluten-free certified. Can I use store-bought salsa instead?
Yes, but fresh homemade salsa really elevates the dish. Is it good for meal prep?
Totally! Grill in batches and add fresh salsa just before eating. 🏁 Conclusion This Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a true fusion of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors — combining juicy grilled chicken with vibrant, zesty avocado salsa and melty cheese. Perfect for healthy dinners, summer grilling, or even meal prep, this pork-free, alcohol-free recipe will easily become a household favorite. Light, refreshing, and bursting with bold flavors — it’s everything you crave in a healthy meal.
Store cooked chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze grilled chicken (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating. Reheating:
Warm chicken in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add fresh salsa after reheating. 🥄 Variations Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or jalapeños to the salsa. No Cheese: Skip the cheese for a dairy-free option. Different Cheese: Swap mozzarella with feta for a tangy bite. Herb Boost: Add chopped basil or mint for an herbaceous twist. Grilled Veggies: Serve with grilled zucchini or bell peppers on the side. Low-Carb: Serve over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice. Tortilla Wraps: Slice chicken and wrap with salsa in tortillas. Citrus Swap: Use lemon juice if limes aren't available. Protein Add-On: Top with a fried egg for a protein boost. Oven-Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes if grill is not available. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and grill beautifully. Do I have to marinate the chicken?
Marinating enhances flavor, but even 15 minutes will make a difference. Can I make this ahead of time?
Grill chicken ahead, but prepare avocado salsa fresh to keep it vibrant. What’s the best avocado for this recipe?
Use ripe, but firm avocados that hold their shape. How do I prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates well and don’t move the chicken too early. Can I skip the cheese?
Absolutely — it's still delicious without. What’s a good side dish?
Cilantro-lime rice, black bean salad, or grilled corn go perfectly. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — just ensure spices and cheese are gluten-free certified. Can I use store-bought salsa instead?
Yes, but fresh homemade salsa really elevates the dish. Is it good for meal prep?
Totally! Grill in batches and add fresh salsa just before eating. 🏁 Conclusion This Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a true fusion of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors — combining juicy grilled chicken with vibrant, zesty avocado salsa and melty cheese. Perfect for healthy dinners, summer grilling, or even meal prep, this pork-free, alcohol-free recipe will easily become a household favorite. Light, refreshing, and bursting with bold flavors — it’s everything you crave in a healthy meal.