Bruschetta Chicken Bake: My Go-To Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up a delicious Bruschetta Chicken Bake with this easy, comforting recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in, full of fresh flavors you'll love.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if no cross-contamination)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
02 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
03 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (or shredded low-moisture part-skim)

→ Fresh Bruschetta Topping

04 - 4-5 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
06 - 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Boosters

07 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (plus more for searing)
08 - 1/2 tsp salt (plus more for seasoning chicken)
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (plus more for seasoning chicken)

→ Finishing Touches

10 - Additional fresh basil leaves, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken breasts super dry. This helps them get a nice sear later. I usually put them between two sheets of paper towel and give them a good squeeze. Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Don't be shy here; bland chicken is a no-go. You want to see that seasoning clinging to the meat. This is where I always make sure my hands are clean, because raw chicken, you know? It's all part of the dance.
02 - Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, add your chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, just until they're golden brown. We're not cooking them through here, just getting that gorgeous color and locking in some flavor. Honestly, the smell at this stage is divine – it's like the promise of something delicious. Don't overcrowd the pan, or you won't get that lovely sear, and that's an oops I've definitely made before.
03 - While the chicken is searing, chop your tomatoes into small, even pieces. Mince your garlic. Roughly chop your fresh basil. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, a good drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir. The colors are just vibrant together, and the aroma of the fresh basil and garlic, oh my! This is where the magic really starts to happen for this Bruschetta Chicken Bake.
04 - Pop that skillet into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken, so keep an eye on it. I usually check with a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) is the magic number. Don't overcook it, or it'll be dry, and nobody wants that! The kitchen smells heavenly at this point, honestly.
05 - Pop that skillet into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken, so keep an eye on it. I usually check with a meat thermometer; 165°F (74°C) is the magic number. Don't overcook it, or it'll be dry, and nobody wants that! The kitchen smells heavenly at this point, honestly.
06 - Once it's out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. Drizzle generously with that balsamic glaze. Then, scatter the remaining fresh basil leaves over the top for a final flourish. It really elevates the look and adds another layer of freshness. The combination of the vibrant red tomatoes, green basil, and golden cheese, oh, it's just beautiful! Serve it up warm and enjoy every bite.

# Notes:

01 - Patting chicken dry before searing is a game-changer for a good crust.
02 - For meal prep, you can make the bruschetta topping ahead and store it in the fridge.
03 - If you don't have fresh mozzarella, shredded provolone is a decent, if different, substitute.
04 - Serving with crusty garlic bread is my absolute favorite way to enjoy this dish, soaking up all those juices!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - mixing bowl
05 - measuring spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 40-50g

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