Description
This Bruschetta Chicken recipe combines juicy, Italian-seasoned chicken breasts with a fresh tomato and basil bruschetta topping, melted mozzarella cheese, and a hint of balsamic vinegar. It’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal or when entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bruschetta Topping
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Other
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or fresh mozzarella slices
- Optional: extra balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to ensure a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts into a baking dish, arranging them spaced apart. Top each piece generously with shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella slices to melt during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Make Bruschetta Topping: While the chicken bakes, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, balsamic vinegar, chopped fresh basil, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant bruschetta topping that adds freshness and acidity.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and cheesy, remove from the oven and spoon the bruschetta topping evenly over each breast. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired for added sweetness and presentation. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, pasta, or a light green salad to round out the meal.
- For a low-carb option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of bread or pasta.
- Using fresh mozzarella slices can give a creamier texture compared to shredded cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
