Bruschetta Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole combines the fresh flavors of classic bruschetta with tender, juicy chicken in a simple baked dish. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped and lightly sprinkled with sea salt
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 Tbsps high quality balsamic vinegar
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon each)
• A small handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Step 3: Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until golden brown on the sides and almost cooked through.
4. Step 4: Transfer the chicken to an 8×8 baking dish sprayed or brushed with oil to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Top the chicken with chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Place the casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist on the classic flavor.
• Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra depth.
• For added texture, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes, to maintain the cheese’s melt and prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking and the best texture, but if using frozen chicken, thaw completely before cooking to ensure it cooks through properly.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken or seasonings. Just be sure any additional sides or toppings you serve are gluten-free as well.

Bruschetta Chicken Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole combines tender, golden-browned chicken with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked together with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a flavorful, comforting meal inspired by traditional bruschetta.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 lb. chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)
• Ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Toppings and Flavorings

• 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped and lightly sprinkled with sea salt
• 3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 Tbsps high quality balsamic vinegar
• A small handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season them with sea salt and ground black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown on the sides and almost cooked through, ensuring juicy and flavorful pieces.
3. Assemble the casserole: Lightly spray or brush an 8×8 baking dish with oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the cooked chicken into the dish, then evenly top with chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed garlic. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the mixture.
4. Add cheese and bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the assembled ingredients. Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the sauce bubbles gently at the bottom.
5. Rest and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and cover it loosely. Let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken tenders with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Use fresh mozzarella and chop it if you prefer a creamier texture.
• For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cheese or use a part-skim variety.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken in the skillet as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Keywords: bruschetta chicken, chicken casserole, Italian chicken recipe, baked chicken with tomatoes, mozzarella chicken bake