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Bruschetta Chicken Bake

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Bruschetta Chicken, baked chicken, Italian chicken bake, fresh tomato chicken, gluten-free dinner, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner