Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken: Your Perfect Healthy Summer Dinner Recipe
Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken offers a delightful, healthy, and exceptionally fresh take on the classic Caprese flavors, perfectly suited for the summer season. Each succulent piece of chicken is enhanced by a rich balsamic reduction, making this an effortlessly elegant recipe. It’s an ideal choice for your busy weeknight dinner rotation, yet impressive enough to be the star dish at your next summer patio party or outdoor gathering. Get ready to elevate your summer menu with this vibrant and irresistible meal!
My love affair with Caprese salad began years ago when I was studying abroad in Rome. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a daily ritual. The local markets overflowed with the freshest ingredients – ripe, crimson tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil – all at unbelievably affordable prices. But the true game-changer? Discovering the magic of aged balsamic vinegar. The moment I tasted that sweet, tangy elixir, I was utterly captivated. Let’s just say, from that point on, my culinary journey was forever changed by those simple, yet profound Italian flavors.
For those who might be unfamiliar, a traditional Caprese salad is a celebration of simplicity and quality. It features thick slices of fresh, ripe tomato, creamy fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil leaves, all elegantly layered. The finishing touch is always a generous drizzle of your favorite balsamic vinegar, which ties all the harmonious flavors together. It’s a dish that embodies the very essence of Italian summer: fresh, light, and bursting with natural goodness.
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Why Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken?
While the classic Caprese salad is undoubtedly wonderful on its own, its iconic flavors are incredibly versatile and can be transformed into many exciting dishes. You can find these fresh ingredients beautifully incorporated into a caprese panzanella salad, which adds a delightful textural element, or even a chicken caprese galette for a more sophisticated, hearty option.
However, my absolute favorite evolution of these flavors is undoubtedly the Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken. This dish takes everything you love about Caprese – the juicy tomatoes, the milky mozzarella, the fragrant basil – and combines it with perfectly grilled chicken and the creamy richness of avocado. The grilling process itself adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful char that elevates all the ingredients, creating a truly unforgettable summer meal.
The result is a chicken so incredibly tender and juicy, you’ll want to make it a staple all summer long. The flavors meld together in a way that’s both familiar and exciting, offering a healthy and satisfying dinner option that never feels heavy.
The Secret to a Perfect Balsamic Reduction
Pro Tip: To truly unlock the full potential of those tangy and sweet flavors in your balsamic reduction, always opt for an aged balsamic vinegar for this recipe!
An aged balsamic vinegar brings a depth and complexity that regular vinegar simply can’t match. As it reduces, its sugars caramelize, creating a syrupy, intensely flavorful glaze that beautifully complements the fresh ingredients of the Caprese and the savory grilled chicken. This reduction isn’t just a garnish; it’s a fundamental flavor component that ties the entire dish together, adding a touch of gourmet sophistication to every bite. Don’t skip this step – it’s key to the recipe’s success!
Essential Tools for This Recipe
You all know how much I rave about my Traeger grill, and this recipe is perfectly suited for it! It’s been working overtime these past few months, turning out perfectly cooked dishes, and this Caprese chicken is no exception. I highly recommend using Traeger grill signature pellets for this recipe. Their balanced flavor profile enhances the fresh ingredients without overpowering them, unlike stronger woods like Hickory or Pecan which can sometimes dominate delicate flavors. If you don’t have a Traeger, any charcoal or gas grill will work just as well, just ensure you maintain an even medium heat.
Speaking of grilling, these Traeger grill tongs are, without a doubt, the ultimate tool for handling food on the grill. They are incredibly strong and sturdy, providing excellent grip and control, which is essential for flipping chicken and delicate avocado halves. Plus, their sleek design makes them quite gorgeous to look at. A good pair of tongs will make all the difference in your grilling experience!
Beyond the grill, you’ll want to have a reliable set of mixing bowls for preparing the marinade and combining your fresh toppings. A sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are also essential for prepping the chicken, slicing tomatoes, and dicing the creamy avocado. Having these basic kitchen tools handy will make the preparation process smooth and efficient, ensuring you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your delicious meal.
How to Make This Grilled Chicken
Prepare the Flavorful Marinade
The secret to incredibly juicy and flavorful chicken begins with a simple yet powerful marinade. To create it, you’ll simply combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fresh oregano, fresh basil, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. This aromatic blend infuses the chicken breasts with a delicious Italian essence, making them incredibly tender and ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, or even better, overnight for maximum flavor penetration. This step not only adds immense taste but also helps tenderize the meat, making the chicken extra juicy and preventing it from drying out on the grill.
Grill to Perfection
Once your chicken has soaked up all that wonderful marinade, it’s time to hit the grill. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, then carefully place the chicken breasts on the grates, shaking off any excess marinade first. Grill for approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This process ensures a beautiful char on the outside, creating those desirable grill marks, while keeping the inside wonderfully tender and moist. As the chicken cooks, its natural sugars caramelize slightly, adding another layer of flavor.
Simultaneously, you’ll also grill the avocado halves. Placing them face down on the hot grates for just 1-2 minutes per side brings out a subtle nutty flavor and creates gorgeous grill marks. The heat gently softens the avocado, enhancing its creamy texture. These grilled avocado slices will be the perfect complement to your chicken, adding a warm, rich element before being sliced and arranged on top.
The Finishing Touches
After your chicken is perfectly grilled and resting, it’s time for the vibrant Caprese toppings. Arrange each chicken breast on a baking sheet, then layer it generously with grilled slices of fresh tomato and the beautifully charred, creamy grilled avocado slices. Next, crown each chicken breast with a thick slice of fresh mozzarella. The residual heat from the chicken will gently begin to melt the cheese, creating a wonderfully gooey texture.
If your cheese needs a little extra help to become perfectly melted and bubbling, simply pop the baking sheet into the oven under a low broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning. Finally, generously drizzle the entire dish with your homemade balsamic reduction and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. This combination of warm, tender chicken, fresh, bright toppings, and that sweet-tangy glaze makes this dinner absolutely everything you could want and more. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that truly encapsulates the taste of summer.
Serving Suggestions for Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken
This versatile Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken can be served in a multitude of ways, making it perfect for any occasion or dietary preference. For a hearty meal, pair it with a side of crispy roasted potatoes, creamy cheesy orzo, or a simple yet satisfying bed of rice. It also shines atop your favorite pasta, creating a complete and delicious Italian-inspired dish. If you’re aiming for an even lighter and healthier option, simply slice the chicken and arrange it over a vibrant mixed green salad, turning it into a fantastic main course salad. Don’t forget a crusty piece of ciabatta bread to sop up all the delicious juices and balsamic reduction! For drinks, a light-bodied white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp rosé would complement the fresh flavors beautifully.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option or if the weather isn’t cooperating, you can certainly prepare this delicious Caprese chicken in your oven. Simply grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and preheat your oven to 350˚F (175°C). Remove the chicken breasts from their marinade, discarding any excess, and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning. Once cooked through, proceed with topping the chicken with the grilled tomato, avocado slices, and mozzarella, then serve as instructed, adding a quick broiler step if needed to perfectly melt the cheese.
Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken
35
25
1
Equipment
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Saucepan
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
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Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill (or any charcoal/gas grill)
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Half Sheet Pan
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Grill Tongs
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Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 3 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tsp Fresh Oregano chopped
- 1 tsp Fresh Basil chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 1 Large Fresh Tomato sliced into thick rounds
- 1 Ripe Avocado pitted and halved
- 4 slices Fresh Mozzarella (about 1/4 inch thick)
- 1/2 cup Aged Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
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Prepare Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, stirring occasionally (about 10-15 minutes). Keep warm over very low heat until ready to serve.
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Marinate Chicken: In a large shallow bowl or Ziploc bag, whisk together the olive oil, 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, chopped oregano, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for best flavor, overnight.
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Grill Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade (discarding any leftover marinade). Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. Remove chicken from the grill and set aside to rest.
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Grill Toppings: While the chicken is cooking or resting, lightly brush the tomato slices and avocado halves with a little olive oil. Grill the tomato slices for about 1-2 minutes per side until slightly softened and charred. Grill the avocado halves face down for about 1-2 minutes until they have visible grill marks and are slightly softened. Remove avocado from its peel and slice into wedges or thick slices.
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Assemble: Place the grilled chicken breasts onto a clean baking sheet or serving platter. Top each breast with one to two slices of grilled tomato, then one to two slices of grilled avocado. Place one thick slice of fresh mozzarella on top of the avocado.
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Melt Cheese: Allow the residual heat from the chicken to melt the mozzarella. If needed, you can briefly place the baking sheet in the oven under a low broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey (watch carefully to prevent burning).
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Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil and drizzle with the warm balsamic reduction. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Italian-Inspired, Summer
Grilling, Dinner, Healthy
This Grilled Avocado Caprese Chicken truly embodies the spirit of summer dining: fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re an avid griller or prefer the convenience of your oven, this recipe promises a delightful meal that will impress both family and guests. With its juicy chicken, creamy avocado, classic Caprese ingredients, and rich balsamic reduction, it’s a healthy yet indulgent dish that you’ll want to revisit again and again throughout the warmer months. Give it a try and taste the magic of summer!