Description
Fresh, bright, and summery grilled chicken marinated with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then topped with creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and buttery avocado for a vibrant California-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 4 pieces (about 6 oz each)
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly cracked
- Fresh mozzarella: 4 slices (about 1 oz each)
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, sliced
- Avocado: 1 large, sliced
- Fresh basil: 1/4 cup, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill, letting excess marinade drip off.
- Cook to Perfection: Grill 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). In the last minute of cooking, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella to melt.
- Finishing Touches: Transfer chicken to a plate and rest 5 minutes. Top with sliced tomatoes, avocado, and chopped basil.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate immediately and enjoy warm, optionally with a drizzle of extra lemon juice or olive oil.
Notes
- Tip: Slice thick chicken breasts in half horizontally for quicker, more even cooking.
- Tip: Resting the chicken helps keep it juicy and tender.
- Avoid: Over-marinating in citrus for many hours, which can change the texture.
- Make-ahead: Marinate up to 12 hours in the refrigerator. Grill just before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken without toppings for up to 3 days. Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently over medium-low heat or in a 300°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg