Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado

This chicken salad stuffed avocado recipe is a favorite for hot days when you crave something light yet satisfying. It takes rotisserie chicken and a few fresh ingredients then pairs them with ripe avocados for a dish that always disappears fast at family lunches.

I first served these at a summer picnic and everyone went back for seconds the cool avocado and tangy chicken salad were such a hit I have kept them in my recipe routine all year.

Ingredients

• Rotisserie chicken: gives a rich savory flavor and saves tons of prep time choose a chicken that smells fresh and has moist skin
• Red onion: brings crunch and a hint of bite look for onions that are firm with shiny skins
• Celery: offers crispness and keeps things refreshing choose bright green stalks for best flavor
• Fresh parsley: adds a pop of color and herb flavor flatleaf parsley is more aromatic than curly
• Mayonnaise: delivers creaminess and holds the chicken salad together use a good quality mayo for rich taste
• Sour cream: brightens and softens the dressing look for full fat for the best texture
• Fresh lime juice: gives needed acidity keep limes at room temperature and roll before juicing to get the most out
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: to bring out all the flavors use flaky salt if possible
• Ripe avocados: provide the perfect vessel pick slightly soft avocados without dents and use right before serving
• Paprika and chili powder: finish with a touch of smokiness and subtle heat I like to use smoked paprika for extra depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Remove all meat from the rotisserie chicken and dice into bite sized pieces be sure to get both white and dark meat for texture and flavor place in a large mixing bowl

Mix the Salad Base:

Add diced red onion diced celery minced parsley mayonnaise sour cream fresh lime juice salt and black pepper to the chicken blend thoroughly until every bite is creamy and well mixed taste and adjust seasonings as needed

Prep the Avocados:

Cut avocados in half and carefully remove the pits use a large spoon to separate the flesh from the skin keeping each half whole for stuffing if avocados wobble slice a tiny bit off the bottom to help them sit flat

Season the Avocado Halves:

Brush each avocado half with fresh lime juice to keep their color sprinkle lightly with salt paprika and chili powder to bring extra flavor to each bite

Assemble and Serve:

Spoon about one third cup chicken salad into each avocado half arrange them prettily on a platter serve at once for the best taste and texture

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The rotisserie chicken really makes this dish shine with its juicy meat My younger cousin always begs to help mash any leftover avocado into a quick guacamole which keeps the fun going even after lunch is over

Storage Tips

For the freshest texture make your chicken salad a day ahead if needed but always prepare and stuff the avocados right before eating to avoid browning Any leftovers can be scooped out and stored with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to keep color

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap plain Greek yogurt for sour cream if needed or add a handful of chopped walnuts to the chicken salad for crunch For a bolder taste stir in a little chopped dill or tarragon

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these stuffed avocados as a main dish light lunch or party starter They pair well with crisp lettuce wedges summer tomatoes or a fruit salad for contrast

Recipe Origins

Stuffed avocados have roots in California cuisine where fresh produce and light meals are celebrated I learned to love them during a warm coastal summer and now they always remind me of sunshine and easy days

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best in this dish?

Rotisserie chicken is recommended for its tenderness and convenience, but any cooked and diced chicken breast or thigh will work well.

→ Can the chicken salad filling be made in advance?

Yes, prepare the chicken salad ahead and store it refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.

→ How do I keep avocados from browning?

Brush the cut avocado surfaces with fresh lime juice right after slicing to slow down oxidation and keep the flesh vibrant.

→ Is there a way to adjust the spice level?

Adjust the amounts of paprika and chili powder sprinkled on top to suit your preferred level of heat and flavor.

→ What can I do with leftover stuffed avocados?

If avocados remain after serving, scoop out the flesh and mash to make a quick guacamole to enjoy later.

→ Can I customize the filling with other ingredients?

Adding ingredients like diced apples, grapes, or chopped nuts brings new flavors and texture to the chicken salad mixture.