Bruschetta Chicken Bake: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe! Recipe

Introduction

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a simple and flavorful dish that brings the fresh ingredients of classic bruschetta to a hearty chicken bake. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines juicy chicken with vibrant tomatoes, melted cheese, and fragrant basil for a delicious meal.

The image shows a close-up of a baked dish in a clear glass baking tray filled with several layers. The bottom layer has browned grilled chicken pieces with a slightly crispy texture, visible grill marks, and a golden-brown color. On top of the chicken, there are chunky bright red tomato pieces scattered all over. Melted white cheese covers the chicken and tomatoes, stretching lightly and partly covering the other layers. Chopped green herbs are sprinkled generously over the cheese, adding a fresh contrast of color. The clear glass pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large chunks)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or diced Roma tomatoes)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. They will finish cooking in the oven.
  4. Step 4: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Top the chicken with the cherry tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Step 6: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top.
  8. Step 8: Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh for a more intense tomato flavor.
  • Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different melt and taste.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when seasoning for a spicy twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

A clear glass baking dish filled with chunks of grilled chicken that are golden brown with some black grill marks. The chicken pieces are covered with a layer of melted white cheese, which appears stringy and soft. Scattered on top are bright red tomato chunks and small thin slices of fresh green herbs, adding color and freshness. The dish looks warm and hearty, with the melted cheese partially covering the tomatoes and chicken, creating a mix of textures and colors. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and may provide a juicier result. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or gluten-free bread.

Print
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Bruschetta Chicken Bake: A Simple, Flavorful Recipe! Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a simple and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and basil. This baked recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic and Italian seasoning with the freshness of tomatoes and basil, making it perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into large chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or diced Roma tomatoes)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken and cheese topping.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken chunks with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated with the marinade and spices.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the seasoned chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden crust. This helps lock in juices, although the chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
  4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken pieces to a baking dish, spreading them out evenly to prepare for baking.
  5. Add Toppings: Layer the diced tomatoes over the chicken, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful and cheesy topping.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese has melted and turned bubbly and slightly golden.
  7. Add Fresh Basil and Glaze: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired to add a sweet and tangy finish.
  8. Serve: Serve the bruschetta chicken hot, accompanied by your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cherry tomatoes with diced Roma tomatoes if preferred.
  • Searing the chicken before baking helps keep it juicy but can be skipped for a quicker method.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure the balsamic glaze is gluten-free or omit it.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out the chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken Bake, baked chicken, Italian chicken recipe, mozzarella chicken, easy chicken dinner

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