Chicken Stuffed Baked Avocados: A Delicious and Healthy Meal

Avocados have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! They are packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritional powerhouse. This recipe takes the humble avocado to a whole new level by stuffing it with a flavorful mixture of chicken and baking it to perfection. Chicken stuffed baked avocados are not only delicious but also a fantastic option for a healthy lunch, dinner, or even a satisfying snack. It’s a low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, and cheeses. Get ready to enjoy a creamy, savory, and satisfying dish that will become a new staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and potassium, while chicken provides lean protein. This combination makes for a well-balanced and nutritious meal.
* **Delicious and Flavorful:** The combination of creamy avocado, savory chicken, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, even for beginner cooks. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and impressive meal on the table.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version of this dish. You can add vegetables, spices, or different types of cheese to suit your preferences.
* **Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly:** This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Avocados:** Choose ripe but firm avocados. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be too soft.
* **Cooked Chicken:** You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. Shred or dice the chicken into small pieces.
* **Onion:** Finely chopped onion adds flavor and texture to the filling.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic enhances the savory flavor of the chicken mixture.
* **Bell Pepper:** Diced bell pepper (any color) adds a touch of sweetness and crunch.
* **Cilantro:** Freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
* **Lime Juice:** Lime juice adds a zesty tang that complements the other flavors.
* **Chili Powder:** Chili powder provides a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
* **Cumin:** Cumin adds an earthy and aromatic note.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season to taste.
* **Shredded Cheese:** Choose your favorite shredded cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Optional Toppings:** Sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, green onions, or chopped tomatoes for garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious chicken stuffed baked avocados:

**Preparation (15 minutes)**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare the ingredients.
2. **Prepare Avocados:** Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of avocado flesh from each half to create a larger cavity for the filling. Be careful not to pierce the skin.
3. **Dice Vegetables:** Finely chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and cilantro.
4. **Prepare Chicken:** If using leftover cooked chicken, shred or dice it into small pieces. If using canned chicken, drain it well.

**Making the Chicken Filling (10 minutes)**

5. **Sauté Onion and Bell Pepper:** In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. You can add a teaspoon of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. **Add Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
7. **Combine Ingredients:** In a bowl, combine the cooked onion, bell pepper, and garlic with the shredded chicken, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

**Stuffing and Baking (20 minutes)**

8. **Stuff Avocados:** Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the avocado halves, mounding it slightly on top.
9. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the chicken filling in each avocado half.
10. **Bake:** Place the stuffed avocados on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the avocados are heated through. The baking time may vary depending on the size and ripeness of the avocados.

**Garnish and Serve (5 minutes)**

11. **Garnish (Optional):** Remove the baked avocados from the oven and let them cool slightly before garnishing with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, green onions, or chopped tomatoes.
12. **Serve:** Serve the chicken stuffed baked avocados immediately while they are still warm. You can enjoy them as a main course or as a side dish.

## Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Avocados:** The key to a successful dish is using perfectly ripe avocados. They should be firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough to be easily scooped out. Avoid avocados that are too hard or too soft.
* **Don’t Overcook the Avocados:** Overcooking avocados can make them mushy and bitter. Bake them just until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the chicken filling before stuffing the avocados and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more chili powder for a spicier kick or more lime juice for a tangier flavor.
* **Use Leftover Chicken:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. You can also use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for convenience.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** The toppings are where you can really customize this dish to your liking. Experiment with different combinations of sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, green onions, tomatoes, and other toppings.
* **Prevent Browning:** To prevent the cut avocados from browning before stuffing, brush them with a little lime or lemon juice.
* **Baking Sheet is Key:** Use a baking sheet to prevent the avocados from tipping over and spilling their filling in the oven.

## Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and customizations:

* **Spicy Chicken:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the chicken filling for a spicier kick.
* **Mediterranean Chicken:** Use sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese in the chicken filling for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and other vegetables for a vegetarian version.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, provolone, or mozzarella.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables to the chicken filling, such as chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
* **BBQ Chicken:** Use BBQ sauce instead of chili powder and cumin for a BBQ chicken flavor.
* **Buffalo Chicken:** Toss the chicken with buffalo wing sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a buffalo chicken-inspired version.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken stuffed baked avocados can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Serve with a side salad:** A simple green salad or a tomato salad makes a refreshing accompaniment to the rich and savory avocados.
* **Serve with rice or quinoa:** For a heartier meal, serve the avocados with a side of rice or quinoa.
* **Serve with tortilla chips:** Serve the avocados with tortilla chips for dipping.
* **Serve as an appetizer:** Cut the avocados into smaller pieces and serve them as an appetizer for a party or gathering.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken stuffed baked avocados can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. Keep in mind that the avocado may brown slightly during storage, but it will still be safe to eat.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to stuff and bake the avocados just before serving to prevent them from browning.

**Q: Can I freeze chicken stuffed baked avocados?**
A: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the avocado will change and become mushy when thawed.

**Q: Can I use frozen avocado halves for this recipe?**
A: While you *can* use frozen avocado halves, the texture won’t be quite the same as fresh. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before stuffing.

**Q: How do I know if an avocado is ripe?**
A: A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid avocados that are too hard or too soft.

**Q: Can I use different types of chicken?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of cooked chicken, such as grilled chicken, baked chicken, or rotisserie chicken.

**Q: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables to the chicken filling, such as corn, black beans, or chopped tomatoes.

**Q: What kind of cheese should I use?**
A: You can use any type of shredded cheese that you like. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend are all good options.

**Q: Can I make this recipe without cheese?**
A: Yes, you can omit the cheese for a dairy-free version.

**Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?**
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the chicken filling for a spicier kick.

**Q: What are some good toppings for chicken stuffed baked avocados?**
A: Some popular toppings include sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, green onions, and chopped tomatoes.

## Conclusion

Chicken stuffed baked avocados are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy avocado, savory chicken filling, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a culinary masterpiece that’s both good for you and incredibly satisfying! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and customizations to create your own unique version of this amazing recipe. Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Chicken Stuffed Baked Avocados**

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Total time:** 35 minutes

**Serves:** 2

**Ingredients:**

* 2 ripe avocados
* 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup diced bell pepper
* 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
* 1 tablespoon lime juice
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, green onions, chopped tomatoes

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut avocados in half lengthwise and remove pits. Scoop out about 1-2 tablespoons of avocado flesh from each half.
3. In a medium skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. In a bowl, combine cooked onion, bell pepper, garlic, chicken, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Spoon chicken mixture evenly into avocado halves.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken filling.
7. Place stuffed avocados on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and avocados are heated through.
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with your favorite toppings.
10. Serve immediately.

**Notes:**

* Adjust seasoning to your liking.
* Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
* Experiment with different toppings and variations.