California-style grilled chicken is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that are synonymous with the Golden State. It's a healthy, light, and delicious meal that's perfect for a sunny day or when you're craving something that feels bright and wholesome.

The key to this dish is a simple yet powerful marinade that gives the chicken a rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor, all while keeping it incredibly juicy on the grill. The real "California" part, however, comes from the fresh toppings—a medley of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese—that turn a simple grilled chicken breast into a complete and unforgettable meal.

This recipe will guide you through the process of creating a perfect, juicy grilled chicken that's finished with a fresh, colorful topping. It’s a meal that looks as good as it tastes and will transport your senses straight to the West Coast.

Grilled California-Style Chicken

Yields: 4 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)

Cook time: 12-15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Marinade and Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons honey

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or Monterey Jack or Gruyère)

  • 2 ripe avocados, diced or sliced

  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  2. Add the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated.

  3. Marinate: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or for a deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating for much longer than this, as the acidity from the vinegar can start to break down the chicken.

2. Prepare the Toppings

  1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the toppings. In a separate bowl, gently combine the diced avocados and halved cherry tomatoes. You can add a pinch of salt and pepper to this mixture if desired.

  2. Set the toppings aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Grill the Chicken

  1. Preheat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

  2. Grill: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard the leftover marinade). Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill.

  3. Cook: Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

  4. Melt the cheese: In the last minute of grilling, place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.

4. Finish and Serve

  1. Rest: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes on a serving platter. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.

  2. Add toppings: Top each piece of chicken with a generous portion of the avocado and tomato mixture.

  3. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and, for a final touch, a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro-Tips for Perfect Results

  • Pound the Chicken: For even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about ¾-inch. This ensures they cook at the same rate and don't dry out.

  • Don't Overcook: A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Chicken that's cooked to exactly 165°F will be the most tender and juicy.

  • Indoor Option: If you don't have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, then top with cheese and broil for a minute to melt.