Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce

Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce Recipe from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the smoky char of grilled chicken with a creamy and tangy avocado-citrus sauce. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner.

History

The combination of grilled chicken and avocado-citrus sauce is a popular dish in many Latin American cuisines. The creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the bright and zesty citrus flavors, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Ingredients

3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
0.5 cup of unsalted butter, divided
0.5 cup of whipping cream
0.5 tsp of finely chopped orange zest
2 tbsp of orange juice
1 tbsp of lime juice
1 tbsp of lemon juice
1 california avocado, pureed
0.25 tsp of salt (+ additional as needed)
6 (about 6 oz (170 g) each) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
black pepper
6 slices each of lemon, lime, and orange

How to prepare

Sauté the garlic in 1 tsp of butter until it becomes soft but not colored, which should take about 2 minutes.
Stir in the cream and heat it to a simmer, making sure to stir frequently and avoid boiling.
Add the orange zest, juices, avocado, and 0.25 tsp of salt to the mixture. Keep it warm.
Melt the remaining butter and brush it onto the chicken.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Bake the chicken at 450°F (232°C) until it becomes browned and just firm to the touch, which should take approximately 15 minutes.
Serve each breast with 0.25 cup of avocado sauce and garnish with a slice of each citrus fruit.

Variations

Add a kick of heat to the avocado-citrus sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Grill the chicken on skewers for a fun and easy-to-eat twist on this recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to not overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.

- Use ripe avocados for the sauce to ensure a creamy and smooth texture.

- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to your taste preferences by adding more salt or citrus juice as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor and charred texture to the dish, while the creamy avocado-citrus sauce balances out the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative to the whipping cream.

- Substitute lemon or grapefruit for the citrus fruits in the sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The avocado-citrus sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Grill the chicken just before serving for the best results.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled chicken on a platter and drizzle the avocado-citrus sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, to complement the citrus flavors in the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C from the citrus fruits and avocado, as well as vitamin A and potassium from the avocado.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and cream) and tree nuts (avocado). It may not be suitable for those with dairy or nut allergies.

Summary

Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. The creamy avocado-citrus sauce adds a bright and tangy flavor to the smoky grilled chicken, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Enjoy this dish with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Mexico. My abuela, my grandmother, was the one who introduced me to the world of cooking. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always by her side, eager to learn from her.

One day, as I was helping my abuela prepare dinner, she handed me a worn-out recipe book. It was filled with handwritten notes and splashes of ingredients, a testament to the love and care that went into each dish. As I flipped through the pages, one recipe caught my eye - Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce.

My abuela noticed my interest and smiled. She told me that this recipe was passed down from generation to generation in our family, and it was a special dish that was reserved for celebrations and gatherings. She explained to me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to prepare each component with love and care.

I watched as my abuela grilled the chicken to perfection, the aroma filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent. She then showed me how to make the avocado-citrus sauce, a creamy and tangy combination of avocados, lime juice, and cilantro. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a sauce that was both refreshing and satisfying.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my taste buds. It was a revelation, a dish that was simple yet complex, comforting yet exciting.

From that day on, Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce became a staple in our household. I would often make it for my family and friends, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would add a hint of spice with some jalapenos, or a touch of sweetness with some honey. Each variation was a reflection of my own creativity and love for cooking.

Years passed, and I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen. I learned new recipes and techniques, but Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce remained close to my heart. It was a reminder of my abuela's teachings, of the bond we shared over a shared love for food and family.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the past, I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the cook that I am today. The recipe for Grilled Chicken with Avocado-Citrus Sauce will always hold a special place in my heart, a connection to my roots and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.

As I prepare this dish once again, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and joy. It is more than just a recipe - it is a piece of my history, a reminder of the love and passion that has fueled my culinary journey. And as I take that first bite, I am transported back to that moment in my abuela's kitchen, where it all began.