Does your typical chicken breast recipe need a little something extra? This recipe for California Chicken takes the basic protein and adds some healthy fat and freshness to it. First, the breasts are marinated with balsamic vinegar and Italian seasonings for up to 1 day. Then, after the chicken is cooked, it’s topped with a version of Caprese salad with mozzarella, avocado, tomatoes, and basil. California Chicken brings the west coast sunshine straight to your fork!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the avocado-tomato topping:
- 1 cup plum tomato, cut in half
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Directions
Step 1 –Combine the chicken, the garlic, the balsamic vinegar, the Italian seasoning, the salt, and the pepper in a large bowl.
Step 2 –Stir the chicken mixture until it is thoroughly combined.
Step 3 –Cover the chicken mixture, place it in the refrigerator, and allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
Step 4 –When you’re ready to prepare the meal, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 5 –Cook the marinated chicken until it is cooked through to 165 degrees F, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 6 –While the chicken is cooking, in a medium bowl, gently combine the tomato, the diced avocado, the basil, the olive oil, the lemon juice, the salt, and the pepper.
Step 7 –Plate the chicken with the mozzarella cheese and the avocado-tomato salsa and serve.
