Grilled California Avocado Chicken: An Insanely Easy 30-Minute Recipe

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This simple grilled California avocado chicken recipe tops juicy, marinated chicken with This simple grilled California avocado chicken recipe features tender, balsamic-marinated chicken topped with melted mozzarella and a fresh tomato-avocado topping.

A plated serving of grilled California avocado chicken, featuring a balsamic-glazed chicken breast topped with melted mozzarella, diced avocado, and fresh tomatoes. — Grilled California Avocado Chicken is the perfect easy and elegant weeknight dinner

Hey there! Oh, I am so excited to share this one with you. If you’re looking for a recipe that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and fresh, you have officially found it. This Grilled California Avocado Chicken has become an absolute staple in my house, especially for those evenings when you want something that feels a little bit fancy but is secretly so easy to make. The tangy balsamic marinade makes the chicken incredibly tender, and the fresh topping is like a taste of summer.

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Key Takeaways

Flavor-Packed Marinade: A simple mix of balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic creates a marinade that does all the heavy lifting, making the chicken unbelievably juicy and flavorful.
Ready in a Flash: Even with marinating time, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ.
Fresh & Vibrant Topping: The combination of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil is the perfect, vibrant counterpoint to the savory chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Grilled California Avocado Chicken

Honestly, this recipe hits all the right notes. It’s one of those dishes that you’ll make once and then find yourself craving again and again.

The Perfect Balance: You get that sweet and tangy flavor from the balsamic glaze, the savory, smoky chicken, the gooey melted mozzarella, and the fresh, bright pop from the topping. It’s a symphony of flavors!
Incredibly Tender Chicken: The balsamic vinegar in the marinade works wonders to tenderize the chicken, ensuring every bite is succulent and juicy.
Looks Stunning on a Plate: With the vibrant colors from the tomato and avocado, this is a restaurant-quality dish you’ll be proud to serve.
So Versatile: This chicken is amazing on its own, but it’s also fantastic sliced over a salad or served with a side of pasta. It’s a perfect companion to my grilled chicken with bruschetta, sharing that delicious fresh-topping vibe.
Simple, High-Impact Ingredients: You don’t need a long, complicated shopping list to create a meal with this much flavor.

A Little Taste of Summer

I still remember the first time I made this exact version of California chicken. We had friends coming over for a last-minute backyard hangout, and I needed something that felt special without requiring a trip to the store. I saw a bottle of balsamic vinegar, a carton of cherry tomatoes, and some fresh basil on my counter, and a lightbulb went off.

I decided to create a quick balsamic marinade, hoping it would give the chicken a nice punch of flavor on the grill. While it was marinating, I threw together the topping—diced tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fragrant basil. The aroma alone was incredible! When I pulled the chicken off the grill, topped it with mozzarella and the fresh mixture, and added that final drizzle of balsamic, I knew I had a winner. It was an instant hit, and now it’s my go-to recipe for effortless entertaining.

Ingredients for Grilled California Avocado Chicken

A top-down view of fresh ingredients for balsamic avocado chicken laid out on a marble countertop, including raw chicken, balsamic vinegar, honey, tomatoes, avocados, and basil. — Simple, fresh ingredients are all you need to create this flavorful grilled chicken dinner.

Here’s what you’ll need to grab. This recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients.

Ingredient	Notes / Substitutes
3/4 cup balsamic vinegar	Use a decent quality balsamic for the best flavor.
1/4 cup honey	Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
3 cloves garlic, minced	Fresh garlic is best, but 1 tsp garlic powder works in a pinch.
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 slices mozzarella cheese	Provolone also melts beautifully on this.
2 avocados, diced	Ripe but firm is the goal here.
3 roma tomatoes, diced	Any ripe tomato will work, but Romas have less water.
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil	This is key for the fresh, bruschetta-like flavor!
Balsamic vinegar for drizzling	Optional, but adds a beautiful finishing touch.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.

Grill: An outdoor grill is best, but a stovetop grill pan will also work well.
Medium Sized Bowl: For making the marinade.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
Instant-Read Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked.

How to Make Grilled California Avocado Chicken Step-by-Step

Raw chicken breasts marinating in a glass bowl filled with a dark balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic marinade. — Letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes makes it incredibly tender and flavorful.

Alright, let’s get this delicious meal on the table!

Make the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and turn to coat them completely in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Prep the Topping: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set it aside so the flavors can meld.
Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the hot grates, discarding the excess marinade. Grill for about 6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature should be 165°F).
Melt the Cheese: During the final minute of grilling, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
Assemble and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill. Top each piece with a generous spoonful of the avocado and tomato mixture. For an extra pop of flavor and a beautiful presentation, drizzle with a little more balsamic vinegar and serve immediately.

Close-up of balsamic marinated chicken breasts sizzling on a hot grill, showing dark, caramelized grill marks and smoke rising — Getting those perfect grill marks is key to the smoky flavor in this recipe!

Expert Tips for the Best Results

A few little tricks I’ve learned to make this recipe foolproof.

Don’t Marinate for Too Long: With acidic marinades like this one (from the balsamic vinegar), 30 minutes to an hour is perfect. If you go too long (e.g., overnight), the acid can start to break down the chicken texture too much.
Keep the Topping Fresh: Don’t mix the avocado and tomato topping until just before you’re ready to grill. This keeps the avocado from browning and the tomatoes from getting watery.
Watch for Flare-Ups: The honey in the marinade can cause flare-ups on the grill. Keep an eye on it and move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill if needed to prevent it from charring too much.
Rest the Chicken (Briefly): While you don’t want the cheese to get cold, letting the chicken rest for just 2-3 minutes before topping and serving allows the juices to settle, making it even more tender.

A hand spooning a fresh topping of diced avocado, tomato, and basil onto a grilled chicken breast covered in melted mozzarella cheese. — The fresh, vibrant topping of avocado and tomato is the perfect finishing touch.

What to Serve With Grilled California Avocado Chicken

This dish is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with so many sides!

A Simple Green Salad: A bed of arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette is a perfect fresh side.
Crusty Bread: To soak up any of the delicious juices and balsamic drizzle.
Roasted Potatoes: Simple, crispy roasted potatoes are a wonderful, hearty addition.
Easy Baked Zucchini: For a healthy and delicious vegetable side, this easy baked zucchini is a perfect match.
Pasta: A simple angel hair pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic would be fantastic.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the chicken and the topping separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. Top with the cold, fresh topping just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition	Amount per serving
Calories	450
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	120mg
Sodium	450mg
Total Carbohydrate	8g
Dietary Fiber	6g
Protein	40g

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods. The values provided are for one serving of grilled California avocado chicken.

FAQs About Grilled California Avocado Chicken

What is California grilled chicken?

California avocado chicken is a delicious, healthy dish featuring grilled chicken breast, typically marinated in simple spices. It’s famously topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese and a fresh, creamy avocado topping, giving it a taste that’s pure West Coast sunshine.

Is grilled chicken and avocado good for you?

Absolutely! It’s a fantastic, balanced meal. You get lean protein from the chicken and tons of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium from the avocado. This California avocado chicken recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition that will keep you full and energized.

What flavor is California chicken?

The flavor is fresh, savory, and slightly smoky. The chicken itself is seasoned with simple spices like garlic and smoked paprika. The real magic comes from the combination of the juicy grilled chicken, the rich and creamy avocado, and the fresh bite of lime and cilantro.

Is avocado good with chicken?

Avocado and chicken are a match made in heaven! The creamy, mild flavor of avocado perfectly complements the savory taste of chicken, whether it’s grilled, baked, or shredded. It adds a wonderful richness and a boost of healthy fats to any chicken dish.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you and your family love this recipe as much as we do. It’s a little plate of sunshine, and it always makes me happy to cook it and even happier to eat it! It’s simple, wholesome, and just packed with the kind of fresh flavors I adore.

If you make it, I’d love to see it! Tag me in your photos online, and don’t forget to leave a comment and a rating below. And if you’re a fan of fresh toppings on chicken, you’ll definitely want to try my grilled chicken with bruschetta next!

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Happy grilling!