Description
A flavorful and easy Bruschetta Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with a fresh tomato, basil, and garlic bruschetta mixture, finished with melted mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a vibrant Italian-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for grilling or greasing the baking sheet)
Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (vine-ripened or heirloom for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Balsamic glaze, to drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven or grill: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you are baking the chicken, or heat a grill over medium-high heat if grilling.
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare the cooking surface: If baking, grease a baking sheet lightly. If grilling, brush the grill grate with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the baking sheet or grill. Bake for 25-30 minutes or grill for 6-7 minutes per side, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make bruschetta topping: While the chicken cooks, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to marry the flavors.
- Rest and cheese: Once chicken is fully cooked, let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top if using, allowing it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Assemble: Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly over each chicken breast and drizzle with balsamic glaze for sweetness and presentation.
- Serve: Serve the bruschetta chicken warm, with optional additional fresh basil for garnish.
Notes
- You can grill or bake the chicken depending on your preference or equipment.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and basil for the best flavor in the bruschetta topping.
- Moisture in tomatoes can be drained slightly if you prefer a less watery topping.
- For a lighter option, omit the mozzarella cheese.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and a beautiful finish but can be substituted with a balsamic reduction.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy.
