This Easy Bruschetta Chicken is a delicious, fresh, and vibrant dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts topped with a flavorful tomato, basil, and garlic bruschetta mix. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal when guests come over.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together the classic flavors of bruschetta in a simple, wholesome chicken dish. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a bright topping that perfectly complements the savory chicken. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a fresh taste that feels like summer any time of the year.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Mozzarella cheese (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the bruschetta topping by mixing diced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly over each piece.
- Optionally, add slices or shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 8 minutes to sear, and 15-20 minutes to bake, totaling roughly 35-40 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I like to switch things up by adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the bruschetta topping for extra flavor. For a cheesy twist, swapping mozzarella for goat cheese or parmesan works wonderfully. If I want a little heat, I add red pepper flakes. You can also use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover bruschetta chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I prefer using the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep the chicken moist and the topping fresh. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the chicken a bit rubbery.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
I always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part and ensure the juices run clear.
Can I prepare the bruschetta topping ahead of time?
Yes, I often make the tomato topping a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and add it to the chicken right before baking to keep it fresh.
What can I serve with bruschetta chicken?
I like pairing this dish with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your balsamic vinegar label for any additives.
Can I freeze the bruschetta chicken?
I don’t recommend freezing once topped with fresh tomatoes because the texture changes, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and add fresh bruschetta topping when ready to serve.
Conclusion
I find this Easy Bruschetta Chicken to be a fantastic way to bring fresh, bold flavors to the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s versatile, quick, and satisfying, making it a favorite in my recipe rotation. Whether I’m cooking for family or friends, this dish never fails to impress.
PrintEasy Bruschetta Chicken
Easy Bruschetta Chicken is a fresh, vibrant dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a flavorful tomato, basil, and garlic bruschetta mix, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23-28 minutes (8 minutes sear + 15-20 minutes bake)
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the bruschetta topping by mixing diced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly over each piece.
- Optionally, add slices or shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Bruschetta topping can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results to keep chicken moist.
- Variations include adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, or using chicken thighs instead of breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg