This Grilled California Avocado Chicken recipe is pure sunshine on a plate. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, deeply infused with a tangy balsamic marinade and grilled to perfection. Crowned with creamy melted mozzarella and a vibrant salsa of fresh avocado and tomato, it’s the kind of healthy, flavor-packed meal that elevates any weeknight dinner.
Forget bland and boring. This dish is a masterclass in fresh ingredients and bold, satisfying flavors that come together in about 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for a busy evening, yet elegant enough for guests. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just firing up the barbecue, this foolproof recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The balsamic marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a savory-sweet taste that perfectly complements the creamy toppings.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a fast grilling time, you can have a gourmet-quality dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy & Fresh: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, this is a meal you can feel great about.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Perfect for meal prep, low-carb diets, sandwiches, or bowls. This recipe is a fantastic base for countless meal variations.
What is California Chicken?
At its heart, “California Chicken” is a style of dish, not a single rigid recipe. It typically features grilled or pan-seared chicken breast as a base. The “California” flair comes from the toppings, which emphasize fresh, West Coast-inspired ingredients: creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs like basil, and often a layer of melted cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. It’s a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients that create a light yet deeply satisfying meal.
Ingredients
This recipe shines because it uses fresh, simple ingredients. The marinade is built on pantry staples, with the star being a good quality olive oil. We recommend using heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil in your marinade for superior flavor and health benefits.
- 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar (for marinade)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Honey (or sugar-free substitute for Keto)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- 4 oz Fresh Mozzarella, sliced or small balls
- 2 Ripe Avocados, diced
- 1 cup Roma or Cherry Tomatoes, diced or halved
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
- Balsamic Glaze (optional, for serving)
How to Make Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl or a large zip-top bag, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey (if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined. This simple marinade is the key to tender, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours.
Step 3: Prepare the Fresh Topping
While the chicken marinates, prepare the avocado topping. In a separate bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, tomatoes, chopped basil, and lemon or lime juice. The acid from the citrus is crucial for preventing the avocado from browning. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pro Tip: If you need to make the salsa more than 30 minutes in advance, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to block out air and keep it vibrantly green.
Step 4: Preheat Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Lightly oil the grates with a high-smoke-point oil to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken, so the most reliable method is to ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/safe-cooking-temperatures-for-meat) with a meat thermometer.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese and Rest
Remove the chicken from the grill. Immediately place a slice or a few balls of fresh mozzarella on top of each hot breast. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes; this allows the juices to redistribute for a moist result and gives the cheese a chance to melt perfectly.
Step 7: Assemble and Serve
Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Top the melted mozzarella with a generous spoonful of the fresh avocado salsa. For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Grilling Perfection
- Pound for Evenness: For perfectly even cooking, gently pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts to a more uniform thickness. This is a key trick in many of our best thin-sliced chicken breast recipes.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling is non-negotiable for juicy, tender meat.
Grilling Master Class: Two-Zone Heat
Because this marinade contains balsamic vinegar and optional honey, its sugars can burn before the chicken is cooked through. To prevent this, use a two-zone grilling setup. Bank your hot coals to one side (for charcoal) or only turn on the burners on one side (for gas).
- Sear on Direct Heat: Place the chicken on the hot side of the grill for 2-3 minutes per side to get beautiful grill marks.
- Finish on Indirect Heat: Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, close the lid, and let it cook until it reaches 165°F internally. This method prevents flare-ups and ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly without burning the outside.
Making it Keto: Low-Carb California Chicken
This recipe is incredibly easy to adapt for a Keto or low-carb lifestyle. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy all the flavor without the carbs.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace the 2 tablespoons of honey with 1-2 tablespoons of a sugar-free liquid sweetener like allulose, monk fruit, or erythritol.
- Balsamic Choice: Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar with no added sugars. Be mindful that even pure balsamic vinegar has some natural sugars, so use it and the final glaze sparingly.
- Drizzle Differently: Instead of a sugary balsamic glaze, finish the dish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a swirl of pesto, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Meal Prep and Storage
This dish is fantastic for meal prep! For the best results, store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Grilled Chicken: The cooked chicken will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Avocado Salsa: The avocado salsa is best enjoyed fresh but will last for about 1 day. The citrus helps, but avocados will inevitably oxidize.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave, in a skillet over low heat, or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Top with the cold, fresh salsa just before serving.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
This recipe is a brilliant starting point. Try these variations to make it your own:
- California Grilled Chicken Sandwich: Serve the chicken on a toasted brioche or ciabatta bun with lettuce and a smear of pesto for a cafe-quality sandwich.
- Chicken Avocado Bowl: Slice the grilled chicken and serve it over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens. Add the avocado topping to create a hearty and nutritious chicken avocado rice bowl.
- California Avocado Skillet Chicken: No grill? Pan-sear the marinated chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil until cooked through. It’s a fantastic alternative for a delicious California avocado skillet chicken.
Dietary Swaps & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Simply omit the mozzarella or use your favorite dairy-free brand. Many vegan mozzarella alternatives melt beautifully.
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for thick-cut portobello mushroom caps or slabs of extra-firm tofu. Marinate and grill them just as you would the chicken for a delicious plant-based meal.
The Ultimate Grilled California Avocado Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar for marinade
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil divided
- 2 tablespoons Honey optional, substitute with erythritol/stevia for Keto
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 4 oz Fresh Mozzarella sliced or small balls
- 2 Ripe Avocados diced
- 1 cup Roma or Cherry Tomatoes diced or halved
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice for the topping
- Balsamic Glaze optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, honey (if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, gently combine the diced avocados, tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, lemon/lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside. (The acid prevents browning).
- Preheat and Grill: Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to ensure juiciness.
- Assemble: Immediately place a slice or a few balls of fresh mozzarella on top of each hot chicken breast to allow the cheese to slightly melt.
- Serve: Top the melted mozzarella with a generous spoonful of the fresh avocado and tomato mixture. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 385kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Net Carbs: 8g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to cook California chicken?
The best method is grilling. Marinate boneless chicken breasts in a balsamic mixture, then grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finish by topping with mozzarella, fresh avocado, and tomato.
Is avocado oil good for grilling chicken?
Yes! Avocado oil is excellent for grilling. It has a very high smoke point (around 520°F), meaning it won’t burn at high temperatures, which helps prevent your food from tasting bitter.
