If you’re looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that combines creamy avocado with a flavorful, zesty chicken salad, then this Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe is just what you need. It’s a perfect blend of textures and tastes where tender chicken meets the natural creaminess of ripe avocado, all tied together with bright lime and a hint of spice. This recipe is quick to make, wonderfully nutritious, and ideal for gatherings or a light, satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver mixing bowl filled with chopped cooked chicken pieces at the bottom right, bright green chopped celery on the left, finely chopped red onions at the top left, and fresh chopped parsley in the center sprinkled with black pepper. On the top right, there is a large dollop of creamy white mayonnaise. A white spatula is partially placed inside the mayonnaise. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a unique role in balancing creaminess, crunch, and zest in the Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe.

Rotisserie chicken: Provides tender, fully cooked meat for quick shredding and rich flavor.
Red onion: Adds a mild, sharp crunch for depth and bite.
Celery: Brings refreshing crispness and texture.
Fresh parsley: Offers a bright herbal note that livens up the mix.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base that binds the salad.
Sour cream: Adds tang and extra smoothness for lusciousness.
Lime juice (for salad and avocados): Injects vibrant acidity to balance richness and prevent browning.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Enhance and season all flavors precisely.
Ripe avocados: The star ingredient, creamy and buttery to hold the chicken salad perfectly.
Paprika and chili powder: Sprinkle for mild smoky heat and color contrast on the avocado.

How to Make Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Salad

Start by pulling apart your rotisserie chicken, removing all the meat from bones and skin with your hands or a fork. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. This forms the hearty, protein-packed base of your chicken salad.

Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients

Add diced red onion, celery, and minced fresh parsley to the chicken. Then, stir in mayonnaise and sour cream to bring creaminess and moisture to the mixture. Pour in fresh lime juice for tang and season liberally with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, ensuring every bite is flavorful and refreshing.

Step 3: Prepare the Avocados

Cut each ripe avocado in half and remove the pits carefully. Using a spoon, gently separate the avocado flesh from the skin while keeping the shape intact — this creates an edible bowl for the filling. To help your avocados stand upright without wobbling, slice a thin piece off the rounded end of each half.

Step 4: Season the Avocado Halves

Rub each avocado half generously with fresh lime juice on all sides to brighten flavor and prevent the fruit from browning. Sprinkle each half with salt, then add a delicate dusting of paprika and chili powder to introduce a subtle smoky warmth and a pop of color, making the presentation irresistible.

Step 5: Stuff and Serve

Spoon about one-third cup of your prepared chicken salad into each avocado half, piling it high yet neatly. Serve these immediately for the best texture and fresh flavors, or chill briefly before serving to let the ingredients meld beautifully.

How to Serve Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe

The image shows four avocado halves filled with a creamy white salad mixture that has small pieces of purple onion and green herbs mixed in. Each avocado half is a bright green with a smooth texture and is sprinkled with tiny red spices on top. The filling looks chunky with visible bits of salad ingredients, and there are small green herb pieces scattered over the salad for decoration. The avocados are placed close together on a wooden board with a warm, natural tone. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like additional fresh parsley leaves, a wedge of lime on the side, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika elevate this dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a few finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides such as a fresh garden salad, crunchy vegetable sticks, or a zesty quinoa salad. If you want a more filling meal, serve it alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic pita chips to scoop up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or gathering, serve the chicken salad in hollowed-out avocado shells arranged on a platter with edible flowers or microgreens for an eye-catching display. You might also try serving the salad atop toasted crostini for a hand-held appetizer option that turns this Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe into a beautiful bite-sized treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover chicken salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It’s best to keep the avocado halves separate and add the filling just before serving to maintain freshness and color.

Freezing

This Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe is not recommended for freezing. Avocado texture deteriorates when frozen, resulting in an undesirably mushy consistency upon thawing.

Reheating

The chicken salad filling is intended to be served cold or at room temperature. If desired, you can warm up the chicken before mixing the salad, but avoid reheating once combined, as it affects the creamy balance and freshness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can use grilled, baked, or even leftover cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded or diced into small pieces.

What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter tang and similar creaminess. It’s a great swap that also adds a bit more protein to the salad.

How do I keep the avocados from browning?

Rubbing lime juice over the avocado halves before stuffing is key to preventing browning. Lime’s acidity slows oxidation, keeping the avocado looking fresh and appetizing longer.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken salad up to two days ahead and store it chilled. Just wait to stuff the avocados until right before serving for the best texture and color.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your added ingredients like mayonnaise and seasonings are gluten-free certified. It’s a healthy, allergy-friendly option.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe quickly becomes a favorite because it tastes amazing, feels fresh, and looks stunning without complicated steps. Whether you need a light lunch, a show-stopping appetizer, or simply crave a bowl of creamy goodness with a crunch, this recipe checks all the boxes. Give it a try and enjoy sharing this simple yet delightful dish with your friends and family — I promise it will brighten any mealtime!

Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado Recipe