Grilled Chicken with Oranges and Avocado

Grilled Chicken with Oranges and Avocado Recipe

Preparation time: 40 minutes | Cooking time: 16-20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Chicken with Oranges and Avocado is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the sweetness of oranges and the creaminess of avocado. This recipe is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is bursting with flavor.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional grilled chicken dishes. The combination of citrus fruits like oranges and creamy avocado adds a unique and refreshing flavor profile to the dish. It is a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal option.

Ingredients

1 cup low-fat or non-fat plain yogurt
0.25 cup minced red onion
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 tbsp honey
salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 4 to 6 oz (170 g) each
1 avocado
0.25 cup fresh lime juice
2 oranges, peeled and sectioned
1 small red onion, thinly sliced

How to prepare

For the Chicken

Mix all the ingredients except the Chicken in a large bowl.
Add the Chicken to the mixture and coat evenly.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
Preheat the grill or broiler.
Remove the Chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. (This protects against cross-contamination.)
Sprinkle the Chicken with salt and pepper.
Place the Chicken on the grill or under the broiler and cook until the juices run clear, 6 to 8 minutes per side.
In the meantime, peel, core, and chop the avocado and toss it with the lime juice quickly so that it doesn't discolor.
Add the oranges, Onion, and cilantro. Season with salt and serve on top of the Chicken.

Variations

Add some diced jalapenos for a spicy kick.
Substitute the oranges with grapefruit for a tangy twist.
Use different herbs like mint or parsley for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

- Be sure to discard the marinade after removing the chicken to prevent cross-contamination.

- Toss the avocado with lime juice to prevent it from turning brown.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Chicken with Oranges and Avocado with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also serve it with a mixed green salad for added freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor to the dish, but you can also broil or bake the chicken if you prefer. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt for a creamier texture.

- If you don't have oranges, you can use any other citrus fruit like grapefruit or tangerines.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop even more.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Grilled Chicken with Oranges and Avocado on a bed of mixed greens for a colorful and appetizing presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer like a pale ale. You can also serve it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

320

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 22g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 13g

Fats

- Total Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 28g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 70% DV

- Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 8% DV

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and tree nuts (avocado).

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. It is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious option for a balanced meal.

Summary

Grilled Chicken with Oranges and Avocado is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a balance of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, this recipe is a nutritious option for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of smoky grilled chicken, sweet oranges, and creamy avocado in this delicious dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Grilled Chicken with Oranges and Avocado. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, the aroma of citrus and grilled chicken filled the air, and I knew I was in for a treat.

Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a smile that stretched from ear to ear. She had a twinkle in her eye as she handed me a handwritten recipe card. "I thought you might like to try this out," she said with a mischievous grin. I eagerly took the card and read through the ingredients and instructions. It sounded like the perfect dish for a summer evening.

Maria had always been a fantastic cook, and I had learned so much from her over the years. She had a way of infusing her dishes with love and warmth, and I could taste it in every bite. I knew that this recipe would be no exception.

As I started to gather the ingredients, Maria began to regale me with the story of how she had come across the recipe. She had been visiting her aunt in Spain, who was known for her amazing culinary skills. One evening, her aunt had prepared this dish for dinner, and Maria had fallen in love with it at first bite. She had begged her aunt to share the recipe, and after much cajoling, her aunt had finally relented.

Maria had since made this dish countless times, tweaking and perfecting it to suit her own tastes. And now, she was passing it on to me, knowing that I would appreciate it just as much as she did.

The recipe called for simple ingredients – chicken breasts, oranges, avocados, olive oil, and a handful of spices. It was the combination of flavors and textures that made this dish so special. The tangy sweetness of the oranges paired perfectly with the creamy richness of the avocado, and the grilled chicken added a smoky depth that tied it all together.

I followed the instructions carefully, marinating the chicken in a mixture of orange juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs before grilling it to perfection. While the chicken sizzled on the grill, I diced the ripe avocados and tossed them with fresh orange segments and a drizzle of olive oil. The colors and aromas were absolutely beautiful, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

When the chicken was done, I plated it alongside the avocado and orange salad, sprinkling a bit of fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. Maria and I sat down at the table, our mouths watering in anticipation. As we took our first bites, a symphony of flavors exploded in our mouths – the tangy citrus, the creamy avocado, the smoky chicken. It was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, light and satisfying.

Maria smiled at me as she savored her bite. "I knew you would love it," she said with a wink. And she was right. This recipe had quickly become one of my favorites, a go-to dish for summer gatherings and special occasions.

As I finished the last bite, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for Maria and all the wonderful recipes she had shared with me over the years. Cooking had always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, to show them how much I cared. And now, as I sat there with Maria, enjoying this delicious meal that she had so generously passed on to me, I felt a profound sense of connection and love.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of the special bond that Maria and I shared. And every time I made it, I would think of her and the joy that she had brought into my life through her delicious creations. Cooking was more than just a way to nourish my body – it was a way to nourish my soul, and I was grateful for every moment spent in the kitchen, creating memories with those I loved.