Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salad: A Low-Carb Recipe for Bodybuilders
Grilled chicken with avocado salad is a nutrient-dense, low-carb recipe that is perfect for bodybuilders. It provides a healthy balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals to support muscle growth and recovery. The grilled chicken serves as the primary protein source, while avocado offers heart-healthy fats, making this meal a great option for those following a low-carb diet.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the ingredients, nutritional facts, total nutritional information, and step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and serving this delicious, muscle-building meal.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (for marinating and flavor)
For the Avocado Salad:
- 1 ripe avocado (cubed)
- 1/2 medium cucumber (sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
Ingredient Facts
Total Nutritional Information (per serving)
This recipe makes 2 servings, with each serving containing one grilled chicken breast and half the avocado salad.
Per serving:
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 47 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15 grams
- Fat: 32 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugars: 5 grams
Preparation Steps
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the chicken and mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Prepare the Avocado Salad:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the salad.
- Dice the avocado into cubes, slice the cucumber, and cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Thinly slice the red onion and chop a handful of cilantro if desired.
- Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and the juice of 1 lime.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently until well mixed.
3. Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Once hot, grill the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Cooking Instructions
1. Grilling Chicken:
- If grilling outside, preheat the grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through.
- If using a stovetop grill pan, heat the pan over medium-high heat and grill the chicken for the same duration.
2. Alternative Cooking Methods:
- Oven-Baking: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Pan-Seared: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil and cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
Serving Suggestions
- Plate the Meal: Serve each chicken breast alongside a generous portion of the avocado salad.
- Pairing Options: For bodybuilders looking for extra carbs, you can add a small serving of quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes on the side.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro or an additional squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Grilled chicken with avocado salad is a perfect low-carb meal for bodybuilders seeking a balance of lean protein and healthy fats. The grilled chicken provides muscle-building protein, while the avocado salad adds heart-healthy fats, fiber, and a range of vitamins and minerals. This meal is easy to prepare, nutritious, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to option for those aiming to maintain muscle mass, lose fat, or simply fuel their body with wholesome ingredients.
