If your dinner routine has been feeling a little “meh” lately, this Grilled California Avocado Chicken is here to rescue your taste buds and your sanity. With bold balsamic flavor, creamy avocado, and juicy grilled chicken, this dish is basically a summer vacation on a plate. Bonus? It’s quick, light, and totally weeknight-friendly—even if the only thing you’ve prepped is your playlist.
Let’s be real—between juggling work, family, and that never-ending laundry pile, who has time for complicated meals? This recipe brings together fresh, simple ingredients and big flavor, all in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or trying to impress at your next cookout, Grilled California Avocado Chicken has your back.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Grilled California Avocado Chicken
This recipe checks all the boxes: healthy-ish, juicy, tangy, cheesy, AND full of color (because yes, we do eat with our eyes first). It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy enough for guests, but easy enough for a Tuesday.
And let’s not forget about the avocado-tomato topping. Think of it as a mini salad that sits right on your chicken—zero extra bowls required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You probably already have most of this in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the 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
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced (or whatever tomatoes you have on hand)
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra balsamic vinegar for drizzling (optional, but recommended for that final wow)
How to Make Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes. (Pro tip: You can even prep this part in the morning—just let it marinate in the fridge while you tackle the day.)
Step 2: Prep the Topping
While the chicken is soaking up all that flavor, make the fresh topping. In a small bowl, mix together diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set it aside and try not to eat it straight from the bowl.
Step 3: Grill Time
Heat your grill to medium-high. Place the marinated chicken on the grill and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and the juices run clear. (If you’re using a meat thermometer, aim for 165°F.)
Step 4: Add the Good Stuff
Just before the chicken finishes cooking, add a slice of mozzarella to each piece. Let it melt slightly, then remove from the grill.
Top each chicken breast with a generous scoop of your avocado-tomato-basil mix. Drizzle a little more balsamic vinegar over the top if you’re feeling fancy (and you should be!).
Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- No grill? No problem. A grill pan or even a regular skillet works just fine.
- Want extra balsamic zing? Reduce some vinegar on the stove for a thicker, sweeter drizzle.
- Make it a meal. Serve this with rice, quinoa, or even over a bed of greens for a low-carb option.
- Cheese swap! Not a mozzarella fan? Try provolone or feta for a different flavor twist.
A Little Backstory
This Grilled California Avocado Chicken quickly became a favorite in my home after one summer BBQ where I accidentally made too much topping (classic me). The next thing I knew, everyone was piling it on their chicken—and even asking for seconds. Now it’s a go-to when I want to serve something that feels fresh, flavorful, and a little bit gourmet… without going full MasterChef.
FAQs About Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken the night before, and even chop the tomatoes and basil ahead. Just cut the avocado right before serving so it doesn’t brown.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! This works beautifully with grilled turkey cutlets or even thick portobello mushrooms if you’re going meatless.
How do I store leftovers?
Store chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers. Reheat the chicken gently and top with fresh avocado and tomato for best results.
Bring the Magic Home with Grilled California Avocado Chicken
So next time you’re craving something quick, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Grilled California Avocado Chicken is the answer. It brings the sunshine to your dinner plate—even if the weather’s not cooperating or your week has been a whirlwind of to-dos. With juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and that irresistible balsamic drizzle, it’s a dish that feels like a little celebration in the middle of a busy week.
Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing a neighbor, or just treating yourself (because, yes, you deserve that too), this recipe delivers comfort and bold flavor in every bite. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them there just a little longer.
And hey, if your family licks their plates clean? I won’t tell. I’ll just say, welcome to the magic.
Keep the Flavor Flowing: Recipes You’ll Also Love
If Grilled California Avocado Chicken stole your heart (and maybe your last bite), there’s a whole world of flavor waiting for you right here on Chicken Magic Recipes. These hand-picked dishes complement the fresh, bold vibe of this recipe—perfect for summer dinners, family cookouts, or just when you want to shake things up in the kitchen. Check out these delicious ideas next:
- Craving more California-inspired flavor? Try this vibrant and zesty Fiesta Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa—a tangy, grilled favorite that pairs perfectly with margaritas and sunshine.
- If balsamic is your love language, you’ll be obsessed with the cheesy, gooey Balsamic Baked Chicken Breast with Mozzarella Cheese—a cozy baked version that brings major comfort.
- Looking to keep things Mediterranean and light? These Mediterranean Chicken Patties are protein-packed, flavor-forward, and great for meal prep too.
- Or go skillet-style with a bold twist by trying the Mediterranean Chicken Skillet—a one-pan wonder that keeps cleanup blissfully simple.
Exploring these recipes will keep your meal routine exciting, seasonal, and—most importantly—delicious. Let’s keep the chicken magic going!
Print
Grilled California Avocado Chicken
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Grilled California Avocado Chicken is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with creamy avocado, diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for a healthy summer dinner or a flavorful weeknight meal, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and is loaded with bold, satisfying flavor.
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
In a medium bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and coat well. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, mix avocado, diced tomatoes, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the marinated chicken for about 6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
During the last minute of cooking, top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and allow it to melt slightly.
Remove from grill and top with the avocado-tomato mixture.
Drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
No grill? Use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop.
Marinate the chicken longer for deeper flavor—up to 8 hours in the fridge.
For a meal prep win, store the grilled chicken separately from the topping and assemble just before eating.
Goes great with rice, salad, or grilled veggies!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 41 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg