California Grilled Chicken – Juicy Balsamic Chicken with Avocado, Tomato & Mozzarella
This California grilled chicken recipe is a flavorful balance of smoky balsamic-marinated chicken breasts, creamy avocado, juicy tomato, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or summer barbecues, it’s a high-protein, family-friendly meal that’s both healthy and comforting.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese or fresh mozzarella
- 2 large tomatoes sliced
- 2 ripe avocados sliced
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate: Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken and refrigerate 2+ hours.
- Preheat grill: Heat to medium-high and oil grates.
- Grill chicken: Cook 5–6 minutes per side until 165°F internal temp (check with thermometer per Foodsafety.gov’s safe cooking guidelines).
- Melt cheese: Add mozzarella slices in the last minute of grilling, close lid to melt.
- Top and serve: Plate chicken, add avocado and tomato slices, garnish with herbs.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best California Grilled Chicken
- Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor: For the juiciest California grilled chicken, let the chicken soak in the balsamic marinade for at least 2 hours—or overnight if you can. The longer marination helps the balsamic, garlic, and herbs penetrate deeply, creating a bold and well-balanced flavor.
- Choose Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts evenly and adds creamy texture that perfectly complements the tang of balsamic and the sweetness of tomatoes. It makes your grilled chicken with mozzarella and avocado taste restaurant-quality.
- Slice Avocados at the Last Minute: Avocados brown quickly, so slice and add them right before serving. This keeps your balsamic grilled chicken with avocado and tomato looking vibrant and tasting fresh.
- Grill Over Medium Heat: Cooking chicken breasts over medium heat ensures they stay tender inside with a nice char outside. This method gives you consistently juicy balsamic grilled chicken without drying it out.
- Finish with Extra Balsamic Reduction: A drizzle of extra balsamic reduction before serving ties everything together—the chicken, avocado, mozzarella, and tomato. It boosts the flavor and presentation, making the dish both gourmet and family-friendly.