Perfectly Balanced Avocado Chicken Salad

The avocado chicken salad is a beloved dish that combines the rich flavors of avocado with the savory taste of grilled chicken. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as a main course or as a light and healthy side dish for a meal. Let's delve into how to prepare this delightful creation.

Ingredients you will need include:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes total, including preparation time.

Servings: Makes about 4 servings.

Instructions

To start, prepare your chicken breasts. Wash them thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities or bacteria. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel to ensure even cooking.

In a large frying pan, heat up two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot enough that you can see a slight flicker of flame when you drop in a piece of chicken, add all four pieces of chicken into the skillet. Allow them to sear until golden brown on one side before flipping them over to repeat the process on the other side.

The cooking time for each side should be around 5 minutes, depending on their size. Once they have both sides nicely seared, remove the chicken breasts from the pan and place them onto a cutting board. Allow the chicken to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of your ingredients.

Preparing the Salad

In the meanwhile, peel the avocados by first slicing around their equator, then gently pulling open both halves to remove the pit. Once done peeling off, take out the pit and slice each avocado half lengthwise into several pieces. Combine these with the finely chopped red onion in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Next up is making the dressing; mix together the fresh lime juice, apple cider vinegar, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Final Assembly

Once your chicken has cooled enough to handle safely, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Toss everything together in one big bowl – the chicken slices, avocados, onions, along with the dressing you've just prepared. Allow this mixture to sit and meld flavors for at least 15-20 minutes so that all components can integrate perfectly.

When ready to serve, garnish each serving with fresh cilantro if desired. This refreshing dish is not only tasty but also packed full of vitamins and nutrients thanks to its avocado content.

Tips for Success

• Ensure that your chicken breast is thoroughly cooked through; checking this by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one breast should give you precise results, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• For those who prefer their avocado with less heat from the red onion, consider reducing its quantity or even replacing it entirely with another ingredient like green bell peppers.

With this easy recipe at your fingertips, you can now enjoy a fresh and nutritious meal that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you're having friends over for lunch or treating yourself to a relaxing dinner, avocado chicken salad is sure to impress. Bon appétit!