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Grilled California Avocado Chicken

California chicken gets an easy West Coast upgrade: grilled breasts marinated with garlic and Italian seasoning, then topped with sliced avocado, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. Finished with a balsamic glaze drizzle for a fresh, juicy bite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: California
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Chicken and marinade
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp pepper
Toppings
  • 2 avocados ripe, sliced
  • 2 tomatoes sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup balsamic glaze for drizzling

Equipment

  • 1 grill

Method
 

Marinate the chicken
  1. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then rub over the chicken breasts. Marinate for 30 minutes to flavor the meat.
Grill the chicken
  1. Preheat the grill over medium-high heat, then place chicken on the grates. Grill for 6-7 minutes until you see strong grill marks and the surface looks set.
  2. Flip the chicken and continue grilling over medium-high heat. Grill for another 6-7 minutes until cooked through.
Melt the cheese and finish
  1. Top each breast with tomato slices, then add avocado slices and shredded mozzarella. The toppings should cover the surface for even melting.
  2. Close the grill lid and cook for 2 minutes. Wait until the mozzarella is melted and glossy.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately. Add a little extra glaze right before eating for the best tangy finish.

Notes

Pro tip: slice avocados and tomatoes right before grilling so they stay fresh and juicy on top. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat gently (microwave or skillet) until warmed through, though avocado texture softens. Freezing is not recommended. For a dairy-light option, use part-skim mozzarella or a dairy-free meltable cheese that still browns under the lid.