Pin it
Hot weather calls for something light but filling, and that's where these chicken salad avocados come in. Just grab a rotisserie chicken and a handful of fresh stuff, then spoon it into nice soft avocados. It's one of those lunches that disappears before you know it.
When I made these for a picnic in July, everyone grabbed seconds. Cool creamy chicken and avocado just hit the spot. Now I make them all year, not just in summer.
Tasty Ingredients
- Paprika and chili powder: a sprinkle on top gives mild heat and smokiness, try smoked paprika for extra flavor
- Salt and cracked black pepper: a little goes a long way, taste as you go for balance, flaky salt is awesome
- Mayonnaise: this holds everything together and adds creaminess, use a brand you love
- Red onion: sharp and crunchy, pick onions with smooth, glossy skins
- Ripe avocados: the bowl for your salad, go for slightly soft avocados without any big bruises, don't cut until you're almost ready to eat
- Celery: fresh and snappy, grab bright green stalks for crunch and color
- Rotisserie chicken: moist and deeply flavorful, a cooked chicken from the store is a simple win, look for one that's juicy with a clean aroma
- Fresh lime juice: keeps things tasting bright, roll the lime first for more juice
- Sour cream: makes the dressing lighter and tangier, full fat gives the nicest texture
- Fresh parsley: gives a kick of flavor and color, flat leaf is more fragrant than curly
Simple Steps
- Finish and Serve:
- Fill each avocado half with about a third cup of chicken salad, place on a tray and enjoy them right away for best flavor
- Season the Avocados:
- Squeeze lime juice onto the avocado halves so they don't turn brown, then sprinkle salt, paprika, and chili powder for extra taste
- Prep Your Avocados:
- Halve the avocados and take out the pits, gently scoop the flesh from the skins but keep the halves together for stuffing, if they're rolling around, slice a bit off the bottom to help them stay flat
- Stir Together the Salad:
- Mix the chicken, mayo, sour cream, onion, celery, salt, pepper, parsley, and fresh lime juice, keep mixing till everything's coated, have a taste and tweak seasonings if you want
- Get the Chicken Ready:
- Take all the meat off your rotisserie chicken and chop into small bites, grab both light and dark pieces for loads of flavor and mix up the texture, put it in a big bowl
Pin it
The secret star is definitely the rotisserie chicken. It's always juicy. My little cousin likes to smash up extra avocado to make a quick guac, so there's always a fun project after lunch too.
How to Store
If you want to get ahead, make the chicken salad up to a day early. Only stuff the avocados right before eating to stop browning. Leftovers? Scoop them out and cover with plastic wrap right on the surface so they stay green.
Switch It Up
No sour cream? Swap in plain Greek yogurt. Want crunch? Throw in some chopped walnuts. For a herby twist, add some dill or tarragon.
Pin it
Ways to Enjoy
Eat these avocado boats for lunch, dinner, or serve mini ones at a get-together. Go alongside crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, or a simple fruit salad to keep things interesting.
Where This Started
Stuffing avocados is big in California, where fresh veggies rule. I picked this up one sunny coastal summer, and just thinking about it brings back chill, easy days.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the easiest chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken's handy and juicy, but you can chop up any cooked chicken breast or thigh for this too.
- → Can you prep the chicken mix early?
Definitely. Mix the chicken salad and pop it in the fridge inside a sealed container. Keeps it fresh and tasty until you need it.
- → How to stop avocados going brown?
Right after slicing, swipe the cut part with lime juice. It'll help keep them looking nice and green.
- → How can I make it more or less spicy?
Like it hot? Add extra paprika or chili powder. Want it more mellow? Use less or skip it completely.
- → Any ideas for leftover filled avocados?
Leftovers? Just scoop out the avocado bits, mash 'em up, and you've got instant guac for next time.
- → What else can I toss into the salad?
Try adding stuff like diced apples, seedless grapes, or chopped nuts. It'll give your chicken salad extra crunch and new flavors.