Bruschetta Chicken Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/bruschetta-chicken-casserole-recipe/
