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Avocado Caprese Chicken

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This Avocado Caprese Chicken is a perfect recipe for busy weeknights! With its juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and tender chicken, this dish is packed with high-quality nutrients to fuel your body.

Pair it with a simple Italian salad or some Keto Focaccia, and you've got a complete and satisfying meal that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Avocado Caprese Chicken in skillet

This Avocado Caprese Chicken is one of the ultimate combinations of flavors out there. The way the balsamic vinegar in the marinade pairs with the juicy cherry tomatoes, the fatty avocados, and the creamy mozzarella is absolutely incredible.

Cooking the chicken in a cast-iron grill pan allows any juices that escape to stay in the pan and keep the chicken perfectly moist. Sometimes, chicken breasts end up dry. You don’t have to be concerned about that when using a cast iron grill pan though, it seals in the juices perfectly.

The avocados are our favorite part of this dish. So creamy and dreamy 😍

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  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time:50 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

Chef's note

You don't need to be a pro in the kitchen to make this mouthwatering dish. Just follow the easy steps, and you'll enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in no time.

And when it comes to flavor, the creamy avocado and mozzarella cheese make the perfect pair. But don't be afraid to mix it up and try different cheeses like tangy feta or goat cheese for a bold twist on this classic recipe.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts (6 ounces each) or tofu for plant-based
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 4 slices mozzarella (dairy-free if plant-based)
  • 2 avocados, diced
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons minced basil
  • Squeeze of lemon

Ingredient substitutions

  • Substitute chicken breasts with turkey breasts.

    Why it works: Turkey breasts are leaner and have a similar texture to chicken breasts, making them a suitable alternative.

    Recipe Adjustment: Adjust cooking times accordingly, as turkey breasts might take slightly longer to cook.
  • Substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese (for plant-based).

    Why it works: Vegan cheese melts like mozzarella and offers a dairy-free option for those following a plant-based diet.

    Recipe Adjustment: Use an equal amount of vegan cheese instead of mozzarella.
  • Substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes.

    Why it works: Sun-dried tomatoes have a more intense, concentrated flavor that can add a unique twist to the dish.

    Recipe Adjustment: Use a smaller amount of sun-dried tomatoes (about ¼ cup), as their flavor is more potent than cherry or grape tomatoes.
  • Substitute Italian seasoning with a dried basil, oregano, and thyme blend.

    Why it works: These herbs are commonly found in Italian seasoning and can be combined to create a similar flavor profile. Or, you can always go for fresh basil.

    Recipe Adjustment: Use equal parts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to make up 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.

How to make Avocado Caprese Smothered Chicken: step-by-step guide

Cooking tools required

  • You can prepare this dish with all the basic tools you already have at your home.
  • 1. Cast Iron Grill, grill pan, or an outdoor grill
  • 2. Knife
  • 3. Cutting board
  • 4. Tongs
  • 5. Measuring spoons
  • 6. Small bowl

Tools substitute options

  • Grill or grill pan: If you don't have a cast iron grill or grill pan, you can use a non-stick pan or even cook the chicken in the oven. You can also grill chicken on an outdoor grill.

Cooking method: grilling

Since we're cooking with many fresh ingredients here, a cast-iron grill pan or an outdoor grill is a perfect choice. You'll lock in the natural juices and flavors by searing the chicken and all those fresh ingredients. And let's not forget about that smoky, charred flavor only grilling can provide!

Preparation steps

  1. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  3. Slice the avocados, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
  4. Wash and pat dry the fresh basil leaves.

Instructions

  1. In a deep container, combine the balsamic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. While the chicken is marinating, make the salsa by combining the avocado, cherry tomatoes, basil, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until you're ready to use it.
  3. When you're ready to cook, heat a grill pan over high heat. Grill the chicken for 10 minutes per side or until the juices run clear. Top each piece with a slice of cheese and let it melt.
  4. To serve, simply top each chicken piece with a generous spoonful of avocado salsa. And voila! You've got a keto-friendly meal in no time!

Chef's pro tip

Don't let the fear of sticky chicken ruin your grilling experience! With just a few simple tricks, you can prevent your chicken from sticking to the grill pan and achieve that perfectly grilled flavor and texture.

Start by preheating your grill pan properly and seasoning it before cooking. Then, brush your chicken with a light coat of oil before grilling to create a non-stick surface. With these tips, you'll be on your way to grilling like a pro in no time! Happy grilling!

How to make it healthier

  • Use a reduced-fat mozzarella cheese: Opt for a lower-fat version of mozzarella to cut down on saturated fat and calories without compromising flavor.
  • Choose leaner cuts of chicken: Opt for skinless chicken breasts to reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
  • Incorporate more vegetables: Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, lettuce leaves, or red onion to the Caprese salsa to increase the nutritional value and add more vitamins and minerals to the dish.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-made Italian seasoning: Save time by purchasing a pre-made Italian seasoning blend instead of measuring and mixing individual herbs. Be sure to read the label and watch out for hidden carbs.
  • Pre-slice and dice ingredients: Speed up the preparation process by pre-cutting the avocados, cherry tomatoes, and basil ahead of time.
  • Cook multiple chicken breasts at once: If you're using an outdoor grill or a larger grill pan, consider cooking multiple chicken breasts simultaneously to save time.

What can I prepare ahead of time

  • Marinate the chicken: Soak the chicken in marinade overnight or for a few hours before cooking.
  • Prepare the Caprese salsa: Dice avocados, halve cherry tomatoes, and mince basil ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the salsa.
  • Slice the mozzarella: Cut fresh mozzarella balls into slices and store them in the fridge.
  • Mix dry seasonings: Combine Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small container or plastic bag to have the spice mix ready when you start cooking.

Nutritional facts

Amount per serving:

  • Calories: 551
  • Calories from fat: 324

% Daily Value*:

  • Fat: 36g (55%)
  • Saturated fat: 8g (50%)
  • Cholesterol: 131mg (44%)
  • Sodium: 681mg (30%)
  • Potassium: 1283mg (37%)
  • Carbohydrates: 13g (4%)
  • Fiber: 8g (33%)
  • Sugar: 3g (3%)
  • Protein: 45g (90%)
  • Vitamin A: 753IU (15%)
  • Vitamin C: 26mg (32%)
  • Calcium: 190mg (19%)
  • Iron: 2mg (11%)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Please note that these nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbohydrates from sugar alcohols.

Leftover storage

  • Store the leftover chicken, Caprese salsa, and sliced mozzarella separately in airtight containers to maintain their quality.
  • Refrigerate the leftover chicken and consume them within 3-4 days for the best taste.
  • To reheat the chicken, use an oven or covered skillet on medium heat until warmed through.
  • Avoid microwaving the chicken, which may result in uneven heating and a rubbery texture.
  • Let the reheated chicken rest for a few minutes before adding the Caprese salsa on top.
  • Garnish with fresh or dry basil and gently melt the sliced mozzarella on top of the warmed chicken just before serving, taking care not to overheat it.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Summertime calls for tasty and satisfying meals, and what better way to celebrate the season than with this beginner-friendly, keto-friendly Avocado Caprese Chicken? With its colorful ingredients and fresh flavors, this dish is a perfect way to savor the tastes of summer.

Don't hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices to take your dish to the next level. From fragrant basil to pungent garlic, the possibilities for creating a personalized flavor profile that suits your taste buds are endless.

So whether you're planning a backyard BBQ or just craving a healthy and delicious meal, this Avocado Caprese Chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get your ingredients ready, fire up the grill, and enjoy the tastes of summer with every bite!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan mozzarella. Ensure that the dairy-free cheese melts well for the best results.

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto as a marinade for the chicken. Just choose a high-quality pesto without any added sugars to maintain the recipe's nutritional profile.

A cast-iron grill pan is recommended for this recipe, as it retains heat well and creates beautiful grill marks on the chicken. However, if you don't have a cast-iron grill pan, you can use any other heavy-duty grill pan or even an outdoor grill.

📖 Recipe

Avocado Caprese Chicken in skillet

Keto Avocado Caprese Chicken

This Avocado Caprese Chicken is a great low-carb keto recipe for summer grilling! #recipe #keto
5 from 2 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: grilling, keto, low carb
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 551kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 6 ounce chicken breasts or tofu for plant-based
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ garlic powder
  • ½ onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • 4 slices mozzarella dairy-free if plant-based
  • 2 avocados diced
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 tablespoons minced basil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Squeeze of lemon

Instructions

  • Combine the balsamic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a deep container and toss in the chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes.
  • Make the salsa by combining the avocado, cherry tomato, basil, 1 tablespoon olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Heat a grill pan over high heat and grill the chicken 10 minutes per side or until the juices run clear. Top each piece with a slice of cheese and let melt. To serve simply top with the avocado salsa.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Avocado Caprese Chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 551 Calories from Fat 324
% Daily Value*
Fat 36g55%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 131mg44%
Sodium 681mg30%
Potassium 1283mg37%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 8g33%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 45g90%
Vitamin A 753IU15%
Vitamin C 26mg32%
Calcium 190mg19%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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