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California Chicken

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California Chicken is a juicy marinated chicken dish topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, fresh avocado, and tomatoes. Grill it for a quick, fresh main course or use the easy oven method.

Ingredients

  • ⅛ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder (substitute chopped shallots)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 avocados (sliced or cubed)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cherry plum or grape cut in half, or 2 ripe Roma tomatoes sliced or cubed)
  • 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese (sliced)

Instructions

  1. In a sealable jar, bag, or small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake or stir until combined.
  2. Add the chicken to a sealable bag or casserole dish and cover with the marinade. Refrigerate, covered, for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  3. For the grill method, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and discard the marinade.
  4. Close the lid and grill the chicken for 6 minutes.
  5. Turn the chicken and grill for another 5–7 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Top each chicken breast with Monterey Jack cheese, close the grill lid, and cook for about 30 seconds or until the cheese melts. Remove from the grill.
  7. For the oven method, marinate the chicken as instructed and preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken breasts in a casserole dish and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Top the baked chicken with cheese, cover the dish with foil, and return it to the oven for 1 minute or until the cheese melts.
  9. Top the cooked chicken with tomatoes and avocado. Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Chopped shallots can be substituted for the onion powder.
  • Cherry plum, grape, or Roma tomatoes can be used.
  • Chicken can be marinated for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help retain its juices.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumfamilyrecipes.com/california-chicken/