Grilled California Avocado Chicken Food

SUNNY'S GRILLED CHICKEN AND AVOCADO BACON SLIDERS

Steps:

• For the chicken and marinade: Gently press each thigh between 2 pieces of plastic wrap to flatten (do this with a rolling pin, it's less brutal than pounding). Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag with the oil, cumin and lime zest and juice. Seal the bag and squish everything around until everything is coated by everything. Rest on the counter for 1 hour.
• For the spread: In a medium bowl, add the cilantro, bacon, avocado, tomatoes and hot sauce if using. Fold to combine gently so the tomatoes don't get mashed, then taste and season with a pinch of salt if needed. Cover by placing plastic wrap directly on the top of the spread and refrigerate until using.
• For the caramelized onions: In a large pot on low heat (or in a pot over the indirect heat area of a grill), add the onions, olive oil, butter, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring every other minute or so, until the onions are tender and a deep golden brown, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the bag, shaking off excess marinade. Place the chicken over the direct heat of the grill (or on the grill pan). Once the chicken releases from the grill and can be flipped, flip it to the indirect heat side of the grill (or lower the heat on the grill pan) and grill until cooked through, just 3 to 4 minutes more. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and cover with aluminum foil for 10 minutes. Roughly chop the chicken.
• To assemble and serve. Build each burger in this order, starting at the bottom with: the bottom bun, slice of cheese, big scoop of chicken and caramelized onions and the top roll slathered with tons of avocado spread.

GRILLED CALIFORNIA AVOCADO CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a medium sized bowl whisk the balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat. Marinate for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl add the avocado, tomato, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Heat the grill to medium high heat. Grill the chicken on each side about 6 minutes or until cooked throughout and no longer pink. Top with mozzarella cheese and avocado, tomato basil mixture. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve immediately.

GRILLED CHICKEN WITH AVOCADO PESTO

Steps:

• Prepare an outdoor grill or a grill pan for medium heat.
• Whisk together 1 tablespoon of the oil and the lemon zest in a large bowl. Add the chicken to the oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Divide the chicken and thread onto metal or bamboo skewers.
• Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently, until light golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Let cool.
• Combine the pine nuts, basil, parsley, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper in a food processor. Process to make a coarse paste. Add the avocado, lemon juice and remaining 3 tablespoons oil and process until mostly smooth.
• Grill the chicken, turning often, until just cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve the chicken dolloped with the pesto and any extra pesto on the side.

GRILLED AVOCADO AND CHICKEN SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates.
• Halve the avocado and remove the pit but leave the skin on. Grill cut-side down until grill marks form, 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and grill 2 more minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel and chop into 1/2-inch cubes. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, shred the chicken into large pieces, using mainly the breast meat. Place in a medium bowl and set aside.
• Make the dressing: Combine the oil, mustard, honey and lemon juice in a small bowl or jar and whisk together. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the spring greens mix among 4 bowls or plates. Crumble the feta over the top, sprinkle with the basil, then top with the chicken and grilled avocado. Drizzle with the dressing and serve.