Description
California Chicken is a flavorful grilled chicken breast recipe marinated in balsamic vinaigrette, topped with melted fresh mozzarella, creamy avocado slices, and fresh tomato, garnished with basil and balsamic glaze. This dish combines tangy, creamy, and fresh elements, perfect for a healthy and vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup balsamic vinaigrette marinade (or balsamic salad dressing)
Toppings
- 1 8-ounce package sliced fresh mozzarella
- 2 large avocados, cored and sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh chopped basil (optional garnish)
- Balsamic glaze (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large sealable plastic bag and flatten them to 1-inch thickness by gently pounding with a mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the balsamic vinaigrette marinade into the bag with the flattened chicken, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour to infuse flavor.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Drain off any excess marinade before cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat and grease the grates well with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, ensure the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear.
- Add Mozzarella: Remove the chicken breasts from the grill and immediately top each with 2 to 3 slices of fresh mozzarella. Cover the chicken with a lid or aluminum foil to allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Assemble the Toppings: Once the cheese has melted, top each chicken breast with 2 to 4 slices of avocado and 1 or 2 slices of tomato for a fresh, creamy balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve the chicken hot for a delicious and vibrant meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken helps tenderize it and infuse it with rich flavor.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop cooking using a grill pan or skillet.
- Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Fresh mozzarella melts best under cover to create a nice creamy texture.
- Use ripe avocados and tomatoes for optimal flavor and freshness.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy finish but can be omitted if not available.
