Bruschetta Chicken is my go-to dish when I crave something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It combines the juicy tenderness of grilled or baked chicken breasts with the vibrant taste of a classic tomato bruschetta topping. Finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, this meal is both elegant and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together the simplicity of grilled or baked chicken with the bold flavors of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It's a healthy option that doesn't compromise on taste. Whether I'm hosting a dinner party or just want a quick weeknight meal, this dish always impresses.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the chicken: I brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: I grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the bruschetta topping: While the chicken cooks, I combine the diced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. I season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the dish: Once the chicken is cooked, I top each breast with a generous spoonful of the bruschetta mixture.
- Serve: I drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook, making it a perfect 30-35 minute meal.
Variations
- Cheesy Twist: I sometimes add a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for a melty addition.
- Avocado Addition: For a creamy texture, I mix diced avocado into the bruschetta topping.
- Spicy Kick: I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: I store leftover chicken and bruschetta topping separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: I reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. I add the fresh bruschetta topping after reheating to maintain its freshness.
FAQs
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
I substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices. They provide a meaty texture and pair well with the bruschetta topping.
Can I prepare the bruschetta topping in advance?
Yes, I often prepare the topping a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
What sides pair well with Bruschetta Chicken?
I like to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or over a bed of quinoa or pasta for a more filling meal.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil offers the best flavor, I use 1 teaspoon of dried basil if fresh isn't available. I add it to the tomato mixture and let it sit for a bit to rehydrate.
Is balsamic glaze necessary?
Not at all. While I enjoy the added sweetness and tang, the dish is still delicious without it.
Conclusion
Bruschetta Chicken is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and lean protein. It's a dish that I turn to time and again for its simplicity, versatility, and taste. Whether grilled or baked, it's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Easy Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled or Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy Bruschetta Chicken combines juicy grilled or baked chicken breasts with a fresh tomato, garlic, and basil topping, finished with a balsamic glaze for a light yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or bake for 20-25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, combine diced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top each cooked chicken breast with a generous spoonful of the bruschetta mixture.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add mozzarella cheese for a cheesy variation.
- Mix in diced avocado for a creamy twist.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store chicken and topping separately for best results.
- Reheat chicken in the oven and top with fresh bruschetta afterward.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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