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.

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

Description

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

Ingredients

Scale

¾ cup balsamic vinegar

¼ cup honey

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

4 slices mozzarella cheese

2 avocados, diced

3 roma tomatoes, diced

¼ cup fresh chopped basil

salt and pepper to taste for topping

balsamic vinegar for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

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 (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, drizzle with a little more balsamic vinegar and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t Marinate for Too Long: With acidic marinades like this one, 30-60 minutes is perfect. If you go too long, the acid can negatively affect the chicken’s texture.

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.

Watch for Flare-Ups: The honey in the marinade can cause flare-ups. Keep an eye on the chicken and move it to a cooler part of the grill if needed.

Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling before topping and serving. This allows the juices to settle, making it even more tender.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
Calories: 605 kcal
Sugar: 15 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 10 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg

Keywords: balsamic chicken, grilled chicken, avocado chicken, tomato avocado topping, summer recipe