Pesto Chicken Stuffed Avocados

Name: Pesto Chicken Stuffed Avocados
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked shredded chicken; 1/4 cup homemade or store-bought pesto; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 ripe avocados; Salt and pepper to taste; Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish); Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Pesto Chicken Stuffed Avocados for a quick yet satisfying meal. The combination of creamy avocado with flavorful pesto and tender chicken creates a wonderful harmony of tastes. Each bite feels indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly healthy! It's perfect for lunch or a light dinner, and I often find myself preparing it on busy weeknights. If you're looking for something that's not just delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up, this dish is for you.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T14:37:28.001Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of stuffing avocados, I knew I had to give it a try. I used shredded chicken mixed with homemade pesto, and it transformed my average lunch into a gourmet experience. The rich creaminess of the avocado perfectly complements the herby, nutty flavors of the pesto, creating an irresistible combination.

A tip I’ve learned is to slightly undercook the chicken breast to keep it moist. Combine it with the pesto while it’s still warm to enhance the flavors even more. The result is a dish that will impress anyone, yet it's so simple to make!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy avocado meets zesty pesto for a delightful flavor burst
Quick and simple preparation, ideal for any busy weeknight
Healthy, satisfying meal that doesn't compromise on taste

Choosing the Right Avocados

Selecting ripe avocados is crucial for the success of this dish. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t overly mushy. If you can only find firm avocados, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. Once ripe, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, but it's best to use them as soon as possible for optimal creaminess.

When you slice the avocados, do so carefully to avoid browning. After halving and scooping, you might notice the flesh starting to oxidize. To prevent this, you can brush the exposed flesh lightly with lemon juice; it not only maintains the aesthetic appeal but also complements the flavors in the dish.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasoning

The flavor of the pesto chicken filling can be adjusted to suit your taste. Consider adding finely diced red onions or garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. If you like heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the taste. Remember to mix and taste the filling before stuffing the avocados to ensure the balance of flavors is to your liking; you can always adjust the seasoning a little more for a perfect result.

Using fresh garlic instead of the powdered version can also enhance the dish. To incorporate it, either add minced garlic to the filling or briefly sauté it in a pan with a bit of olive oil before combining it with the chicken and pesto. This method allows the garlic to mellow while infusing the filling with a deeper flavor profile.

Making It a Complete Meal

To turn your Pesto Chicken Stuffed Avocados into a more complete meal, consider pairing them with a side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the avocados beautifully. You can also add some nuts or seeds for crunch, and the fresh basil leaves used for garnish can double as a salad garnish to create a cohesive presentation.

If you want to increase the protein content even further, you can add chickpeas or white beans to the filling. This not only enhances the nutritional profile but also adds an interesting texture to each bite. Just make sure your beans are canned, drained, and rinsed if you're using them for convenience.

Ingredients

For the Pesto Chicken Filling

1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1/4 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Avocados

2 ripe avocados
Salt and pepper to taste
Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your taste preferences.

Instructions

Prepare the Pesto Chicken Mixture

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Mix until everything is well coated and seasoned to taste with salt and pepper.

Slice the Avocados

Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop a little bit of the flesh out to create room for the filling.

Stuff the Avocados

Spoon the pesto chicken mixture into each avocado half, packing it gently but ensuring it’s filled generously.

Garnish and Serve

Top each stuffed avocado with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy immediately!

For a complete meal, serve with a side salad or whole grain bread.

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider drizzling a bit of balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftover pesto chicken filling, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be mindful that the avocado halves do not store well once they are cut. I recommend preparing the filling in advance and stuffing the avocados just before serving to keep the dish fresh and vibrant.

For meal prep, consider pre-cooking the chicken and making a larger batch of pesto. Both ingredients can be kept in the fridge and used throughout the week in different meals, from pasta dishes to sandwiches. This makes for a quick filling option any day, not just when craving the avocados specifically.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto! Traditional basil pesto is delicious, but you might also enjoy a sun-dried tomato pesto or even a kale pesto for a twist. Each variation brings unique flavors that can change the whole character of the dish while keeping the essence of the recipe intact.

For a vegan alternative, use shredded jackfruit instead of chicken, combined with vegan pesto and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This variation not only fits a plant-based diet but still provides the satisfying creaminess of the avocado.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the filling seems too dry, you can add a splash more of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil to ensure it's creamy and well-combined. Similarly, if you find your mixture is a bit too wet, consider adding more shredded chicken or a small amount of breadcrumbs to help absorb excess moisture.

Sometimes, the flavor can be off; if the filling tastes bland, don't hesitate to add more seasoning gradually. Remember, proper seasoning is key to enhancing the dish's overall flavor, so trust your instincts and adjust as needed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned chicken is a great time-saver and works well in this recipe.

→ How do I ripen avocados quickly?

Place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two to speed up the ripening process.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for the chicken, and use a vegan pesto.

→ Can I make the pesto chicken filling ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare it 1-2 days in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.