Description
Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a vibrant twist on classic Italian flavors, combining juicy baked chicken breasts with a zesty tomato and basil bruschetta topping, all finished with a golden layer of melted cheese. This easy-to-make main course delivers comfort and freshness in every bite, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered (or Roma tomatoes, diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Turn to coat both sides evenly.
- Make the Bruschetta Topping: In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix everything together.
- Assemble for Baking: Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve hot, along with your favorite side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before baking.
- Roma or cherry tomatoes work best for the bruschetta topping, as they are less watery.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Try serving over pasta, rice, or alongside a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 332
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 633mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
