Description
This Bruschetta Chicken recipe features juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts topped with a fresh and flavorful mix of cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar, finished with melted mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. A perfect blend of Italian-inspired flavors ideal for a satisfying and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bruschetta Topping
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Heat Skillet and Oil: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add two tablespoons of olive oil, allowing it to warm up for searing the chicken.
- Season Chicken: While the oil is heating, season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and cook them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown, creating a flavorful crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the oven-safe skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare Bruschetta Topping: While the chicken bakes, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, one tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, stirring gently to coat the tomatoes well.
- Top Chicken with Cheese: When the chicken is fully baked, remove the skillet from the oven and distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each chicken breast.
- Melt Cheese: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, adding a delicious cheesy layer.
- Add Bruschetta Mix: Remove the chicken from the oven once more and spoon the prepared bruschetta topping generously over the cheese-covered chicken breasts.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top as a final touch and serve your delicious Bruschetta Chicken immediately.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, you can sear the chicken in a pan and transfer it to a baking dish before baking.
- Feel free to use fresh herbs for seasoning for a more vibrant flavor.
- Leftover bruschetta topping can be stored separately and used as a fresh salad or appetizer.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
