Smoky Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados Recipe

Serving Size: 4 people as a light main dish or 8 people as an appetizer
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients for Smoky Chicken Salad

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

Additional Ingredients

• 4 large ripe avocados
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (for avocados)
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving
• Hot sauce (optional)

Preparing the Smoky Chicken Salad

If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can quickly prepare it by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cooking them in a skillet with a little oil over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let cool completely before dicing.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or shredded chicken with the crumbled bacon, finely diced celery, and red onion. The vegetables should be cut small enough to fit nicely in the avocado halves while providing good texture and crunch.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chipotle powder if using, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. This creamy dressing should have a beautiful smoky flavor with a hint of tang from the lime and mustard.

Combining and Seasoning

Pour the smoky dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then add the chopped fresh chives. Gently fold everything together until the chicken salad is evenly coated with the dressing and all ingredients are well distributed.

Taste the chicken salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, lime juice, or smoked paprika to achieve your preferred flavor balance. The mixture should be creamy but not overly wet, with a pleasant smoky aroma and balanced flavors.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the avocados. This resting time helps the seasonings distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

Preparing the Avocado Shells

Select avocados that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when stuffed. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy or overly soft, which would make them difficult to handle.

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise, working around the pit with a sharp knife. Twist the halves apart and carefully remove the pit using a spoon or by gently tapping it with the blade of your knife and twisting.

Using a spoon, carefully scoop out some of the avocado flesh to create a larger cavity for the chicken salad, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh around the edges. Save the scooped avocado flesh for another use, such as guacamole or smoothies.

Preventing Browning and Assembly

Brush the cut surfaces of each avocado half with fresh lime juice to prevent browning and add a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the smoky chicken salad. This step is crucial if you’re preparing the avocados ahead of time.

Arrange the avocado halves on a serving platter or individual plates, cut side up. If they won’t sit steadily, trim a small slice from the bottom of each half to create a flat surface, being careful not to cut through to the cavity.

Generously fill each avocado half with the smoky chicken salad, mounding it slightly above the rim of the avocado. The filling should be packed but not so tightly that it becomes difficult to eat with a fork.

Final Touches and Garnishing

Top each stuffed avocado with diced cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich chicken salad. The tomatoes add acidity that balances the creamy textures.

Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or chopped pecans over the top for additional crunch and visual appeal. These nuts and seeds provide healthy fats and protein while adding interesting texture to each bite.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, and serve with lime wedges on the side so diners can add extra citrus if desired. A small dish of hot sauce can also be offered for those who enjoy additional heat.

Serving Suggestions

These Smoky Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocados are perfect served chilled or at room temperature. They make an excellent light lunch, healthy dinner, or elegant appetizer for gatherings and can be easily scaled up for larger crowds.

Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad, fresh fruit, or vegetable chips for a complete meal. The dish pairs well with iced tea, sparkling water with lime, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

The chicken salad can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, where the flavors will continue to develop. However, the avocados should be cut and stuffed just before serving to prevent browning and maintain the best texture.

If you must prepare the stuffed avocados ahead of time, brush them generously with lime juice, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for no more than 2-3 hours before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt. You can also experiment with different smoky flavors by using smoked salt, liquid smoke, or different varieties of smoked paprika.

Try adding diced apple, grapes, or dried cranberries for sweetness, or substitute the bacon with smoked salmon for a different flavor profile. The recipe is easily adaptable to your taste preferences and dietary needs.