Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a quick and flavorful dinner combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a fresh tomato and basil topping, melted mozzarella cheese, and a hint of garlic and balsamic vinegar. This one-pan baked dish offers bold, fresh flavors with minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for weeknight meals and family-friendly gatherings.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Prepare the Tomato Topping: In a medium bowl, combine diced fresh tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to let the flavors marry while you prep the chicken.
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat and sear each breast until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side—this locks in juices before baking.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts into a baking dish. Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over each piece, making sure to get the juices as well. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, covering the tomato layer.
- Bake Until Melted and Juicy: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added fragrance before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the juiciest, most flavorful topping essential to authentic bruschetta taste.
- Don’t skip searing; browning the chicken adds depth of flavor and keeps it moist inside.
- Drain excess liquid if your tomatoes are very watery to avoid a soggy bake.
- Fresh basil is key; add it right before serving to preserve its bright flavor.
- Adjust mozzarella quantity based on your preference for cheesiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken, baked chicken, Italian chicken bake, fresh tomato chicken, gluten-free dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner