Description
Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a fresh and vibrant dish featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with creamy diced avocado, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella cheese. This flavorful and healthy recipe is perfect for a summer dinner or quick weeknight meal, ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Topping:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced (any tomato will work)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra balsamic vinegar, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Marinate Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the marinade, coating them thoroughly. Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine diced avocados, diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear and even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Grill the marinated chicken breasts for about 6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Melt Cheese: During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast, allowing it to melt slightly and become gooey.
- Assemble and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill, top each breast with the avocado-tomato basil mixture, drizzle with extra balsamic vinegar if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop can be used as a substitute.
- For more intense flavor, marinate chicken up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- For easy meal prep, keep the grilled chicken and avocado topping separate, assembling just before eating.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, fresh salads, or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
