Chicken Stuffed Baked Avocados Recipe

Avocados: These creamy fruits are the base of the dish and add a smooth texture and healthy fats.

Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken adds protein and makes the filling hearty.

Salsa: This adds a fresh, tangy flavor with a little spice.

Shredded cheese: Melts on top to give a gooey, delicious finish.

Lime juice: Adds a bright, zesty touch that balances the richness.

One of the key steps in this Chicken Stuffed Baked Avocados Recipe is scooping out a bit of the avocado flesh to make room for the filling. Here’s how to do it without making a mess or breaking the avocado shell:

1. After cutting the avocado in half and removing the pit, take a spoon that fits comfortably inside the hollow.
2. Gently scoop around the edges of the pit cavity, moving the spoon in a circular motion to loosen the flesh.
3. Be careful not to scoop too much—just enough so the filling has space but the avocado still holds its shape.
4. If you want, save the scooped-out flesh to mix into the chicken filling or use in a quick guacamole.

Doing this step carefully makes the whole dish look nicer and keeps the avocado halves sturdy enough to hold the filling while baking. If you scoop too much, the avocado might collapse or leak juices, which can make the baking sheet messy and the final dish less appealing.

When I first tried this, I was too rough with the spoon and ended up breaking one half. Now, I use a small spoon and take my time, and it’s so much easier. Plus, mixing some of the scooped-out avocado into the filling adds extra creaminess and flavor, which is a little trick I love. It makes the filling taste even better and helps it stick together nicely inside the avocado shell.

So, take a moment with this step—it really helps your stuffed avocados turn out perfect and delicious!

• avocados - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers provide a similar vessel for stuffing and add a crunchy texture.

• cooked chicken - Substitute with cooked turkey: Turkey has a similar texture and flavor profile to chicken.

• salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo offers a fresh, chunky alternative with similar flavors.

• shredded cheese - Substitute with crumbled feta: Feta adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture that complements the dish.

• lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and brightness to the dish.

• Allow the chicken stuffed baked avocados to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the avocados soggy.
• Place the cooled avocado halves in an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, separate them with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocados may brown slightly, but the flavor will remain intact.
• For freezing, wrap each stuffed avocado half tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there is no exposure to air. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. Frozen chicken stuffed baked avocados can be stored for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and place the frozen avocado halves on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving to refresh the flavors.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed avocados on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the avocado from browning too much. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken mixture is heated through and the cheese is melty and bubbly.

• Use a microwave for a quicker option. Place the stuffed avocados on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as the avocado can become mushy.

• For a stovetop method, remove the chicken mixture from the avocado halves and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Meanwhile, warm the avocado halves separately in the skillet for a minute or two. Once both components are heated, reassemble the stuffed avocados and enjoy.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed avocados in the air fryer basket and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method will help maintain the avocado's texture while ensuring the chicken mixture is thoroughly heated and the cheese is perfectly melted.

• Oven: Used to bake the stuffed avocados at the specified temperature until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the avocados in half and removing the pits.

• Spoon: Used to scoop out some of the avocado flesh to make room for the filling.

• Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

• Baking sheet: Holds the stuffed avocados while they bake in the oven.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cooked chicken, salsa, and shredded cheese accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the lime juice precisely.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the avocados and any other ingredients.

• Spatula: Helpful for mixing the chicken filling and for transferring the stuffed avocados onto the baking sheet.

• Cilantro: Optional garnish to add a fresh touch to the finished dish.

Prepare the filling ahead: Mix the shredded chicken, salsa, cheese, and lime juice the night before and store it in the fridge.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.

Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start preparing the avocados to ensure it's ready when you are.

Scoop efficiently: Use a melon baller or small spoon to quickly scoop out the avocado flesh.

Line the baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat on your baking sheet for easy cleanup.