Grilled California Avocado Chicken: A Flavor-Packed, Easy Dinner Recipe

Grilled California Avocado Chicken

Introduction

Grilled California Avocado Chicken brings together fresh, bold flavors and juicy grilled chicken in a way that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious. This recipe is a standout for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or even meal prepping—it’s easy to make, visually vibrant, and packed with wholesome goodness. With ripe avocados, ripe tomatoes, and a touch of creamy mozzarella, it’s a chicken recipe that delights with every bite.

Why You’ll Love Grilled California Avocado Chicken

This dish shines thanks to its perfect balance of lean, protein-packed chicken, creamy avocado, tangy balsamic glaze, and the colorful pop of ripe tomatoes. The grilling imparts a smoky char that elevates the flavors, making it a go-to when you want maximum impact with minimum effort. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, low in carbs, and easy to customize for any gathering.

How to Choose the Best Avocados and Ingredients

For the freshest flavor, pick ripe but firm avocados that yield just slightly to gentle pressure. Fresh mozzarella slices work beautifully thanks to their creamy texture, and aromatic basil brings bursts of fragrance and color. Cherry tomatoes add natural sweetness and acidity, making every bite more dynamic. Marinate the chicken briefly for the best flavor, letting the lime juice and garlic tenderize each piece while infusing deep zest.

Step-By-Step Assembly for Grilled California Avocado Chicken

After grilling your chicken breasts to juicy perfection, top them with the vibrant avocado salsa. Layer slices of mozzarella, diced tomatoes, and avocado—then finish with a drizzle of sweet balsamic reduction. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds the perfect finishing touch for a meal that’s simple to assemble and packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions for a Showstopping California Chicken Dinner

Serve this Grilled California Avocado Chicken with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or over herbed quinoa for a filling, balanced meal. It’s an ideal main dish for entertaining—just garnish with extra basil and serve with a cold sparkling drink or lemonade for a summery vibe everyone will enjoy.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four, with each portion including grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables. Every serving generally provides around 350–400 calories, loaded with healthy fats, lean protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s satisfying while supporting healthy eating goals!

Recipe Recap: Grilled California Avocado Chicken

You get grilled chicken topped with cool, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and tangy mozzarella—a harmonious combination of textures and tastes. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser for busy families or meal prep fans alike.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4 slices fresh mozzarella (about 4 oz)
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place chicken breasts in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
  3. Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat. Brush grates lightly with oil.
  4. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
  5. While the chicken cooks, prepare the avocado salsa: in a bowl, gently toss diced avocado, halved tomatoes, and half the basil with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  6. Once chicken is nearly done, add a slice of mozzarella on top of each breast. Cover grill for 1–2 minutes, or until cheese is just melted.
  7. Remove chicken from grill. Top with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and garnish with remaining basil.
  8. Serve immediately for best results.

Weekly Meal Planning

Grilled California Avocado Chicken is perfect for weekly meal planning. Save and schedule this recipe to plan when you’ll enjoy it—plus get smart shopping lists that optimize your trips and help you prep with ease.

Planning Benefits:

  • Easily scales ingredient amounts for family meals or batch cooking
  • Combines grocery lists across all planned recipes to avoid duplicate buys
  • Sorts your shopping list by store section—saving time and reducing stress
  • Simplifies weeknight cooking with organized prep steps

Pro tip: When you schedule your recipes for the week, CookifyAI helps you spot overlapping ingredients—so you only buy what’s needed and waste less food!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating)

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