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Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish layering juicy chicken breasts with a fresh tomato, basil, and garlic topping, melted mozzarella cheese, and finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. This easy, one-dish meal is perfect for fast weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or satisfying picky eaters with its melty cheese and vibrant fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Bruschetta Topping

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Cheese & Finishing

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Other

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • Salt and pepper, for seasoning chicken

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomato Topping: Chop the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix them with the minced garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a fresh bruschetta topping that will infuse the chicken with vibrant flavor during baking.
  2. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season each chicken breast liberally with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices and add texture before baking.
  3. Assemble the Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts evenly in a baking dish. Spread the bruschetta mixture over the top of the chicken breasts. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato topping.
  4. Bake Until Melty and Juicy: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Add the Finishing Touch: Remove the bake from the oven and drizzle balsamic glaze over the entire dish. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and reduce baking time.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; leave space around chicken breasts to get a good golden crust.
  • Fresh basil and tomatoes elevate the dish’s brightness and aroma.
  • Mozzarella cheese melts perfectly without overpowering tomato flavors.
  • Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for juicier chicken and better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: bruschetta chicken bake, Italian chicken bake, baked chicken breast with tomatoes, easy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken recipe, cheesy chicken bake