Name: Bruschetta Chicken Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large chunks); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme); Salt & black pepper, to taste; 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or diced Roma tomatoes); 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a simple and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken with fresh tomatoes, herbs, and melted cheese. It’s an easy weeknight meal that feels special and pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread.

The image shows a plate of stuffed baked bread arranged in a cluster on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread is cut into cubes and filled with a mix of diced red tomatoes and melted white cheese, with some light browning on the edges of the bread and cheese. The dish has visible herbs sprinkled on top, adding green specks to the red and white colors. Behind the plate, there is a white baking dish with more of the stuffed bread, slightly blurred. A fork and a knife rest next to the plate on the white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting with a mix of soft and crispy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large chunks)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
2 cups cherry tomatoes (or diced Roma tomatoes)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Step 2: Season the chicken chunks with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
Step 4: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.
Step 5: Top the chicken evenly with the diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves.
Step 8: Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Step 9: Serve hot alongside pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of cherry and Roma tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina cheese for a different taste.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
Make it ahead by assembling the dish and refrigerating before baking, then add a few extra minutes to bake time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

A clear glass cooking dish filled with a colorful baked meal, showing three main layers: at the bottom are chunks of grilled chicken with a light golden-brown color and some black pepper spots, above it are bright red tomato pieces cut into small chunks, and the top layer is melted pale yellow cheese spread unevenly, mingling with the tomatoes, all sprinkled with small, fresh green herb leaves. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a wooden bowl of chopped green herbs and a stack of plain white plates with a silver fork in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay more moist. Adjust baking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is balsamic glaze necessary?

No, balsamic glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet and tangy finish. You can substitute with a splash of balsamic vinegar or omit it altogether.