This fresh and healthy California Grilled Chicken recipe features honey balsamic marinated chicken breasts topped with mozzarella, avocado, tomatoes, and basil. I love how simple the ingredients are, marinating time is quick, and grilling chicken makes it deliciously juicy. I could eat this avocado chicken for dinner every night of the week, and considering how easy it is to cook, I just might!
I’m a little bit obsessed with caprese flavors like mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic, so this California grilled chicken recipe really hits the spot. I love how fresh and healthy it is, with creamy avocado as the perfect topping for this cheesy honey balsamic chicken.
Ingredients for California Avocado Chicken
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe, but thighs can be used as well.
- Honey Balsamic Marinade: A combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella works best, but Swiss, provolone, and gruyere make good substitutes.
- Avocado: Fresh, diced avocado adds a creamy topping.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use cherry or grape tomatoes for the topping.
- Balsamic Glaze: This adds a sweet and tangy finish. Use store-bought or make your own!
- Basil: Garnish with fresh basil to serve.
Make it Easy
When I’m struggling to find ripe avocados at the store, I just grab a container of guacamole for the topping. Chunky guacamole with diced tomatoes is the perfect convenience swap for this California grilled chicken! It also tastes great with a fresh Pico de Gallo instead of just tomatoes.
How to Store and Reheat
Store California chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the grilled chicken and avocado/tomato salsa separately for best results. The chicken can also be frozen for 3 months, but I don’t recommend freezing the avocado.
Reheat the chicken on the stovetop until warmed through, then top with the avocado and tomato.
Serving Suggestions
Serve grilled California chicken on a bed of white rice, cilantro lime rice, or salad greens for a beautiful healthy meal. Even though this chicken recipe already features plenty of avocado, I love to start with lots of chips and guac, and it’s a great way to use up those ripe avocados. It also pairs well with this Green Goddess salad on the side!
This healthy, vibrant, and flavorful California grilled chicken breast starts with a honey balsamic marinade, and finishes with a topping of mozzarella, avocado, and tomato.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 2 avocados diced
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes quartered
- 2 tablespoons sliced basil
- balsamic glaze
- Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black peppe
