Description
Bruschetta Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dish featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken breasts topped with a vibrant mixture of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, then covered with melted mozzarella cheese. This flavorful and healthy recipe brings fresh Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table with minimal prep time and versatile serving options.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (evenly sized)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Bruschetta Topping
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomato Topping: Dice the cherry tomatoes finely, then combine them with freshly chopped basil and minced garlic. Drizzle in olive oil and add a splash of balsamic vinegar. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then gently toss to blend all those bright, fresh flavors.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Add the Bruschetta Topping and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the tomato mixture generously over each cooked chicken breast, then top with slices or shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan with a lid to let the cheese melt using residual heat, which takes just a few minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, garnish the Bruschetta Chicken with extra basil leaves for freshness. Plate the chicken with your favorite side dishes and serve immediately.
Notes
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Juicy Chicken: Avoid overcooking; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfect juiciness.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes and basil for the brightest flavors.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before plating to retain moisture.
- Alternate Cooking Method: Instead of stovetop, bake the chicken and add toppings halfway through baking.
- Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days, keeping tomato topping separate to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Freeze chicken breasts wrapped tightly or in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or bake at 350°F (175°C) to preserve moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg