Hello, food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful dish, this Easy Bruschetta Chicken recipe is perfect. Juicy, golden-brown chicken topped with fresh bruschetta and a sweet balsamic glaze makes this dish a beautiful balance of flavors. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to impress!
Introduction
Easy Bruschetta Chicken combines the classic Italian flavors of bruschetta with juicy, pan-seared chicken and a rich balsamic glaze. It’s an ideal weeknight meal or a special dish for entertaining, packed with flavors from tomatoes, garlic, basil, and melted mozzarella. This recipe makes for a colorful, mouthwatering plate that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Easy Bruschetta Chicken, you’ll need:
Balsamic Glaze
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see notes for thickness tips)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided in half
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
These ingredients make for a fresh and vibrant dish with a variety of textures and flavors that come together beautifully.
How to Make Easy Bruschetta Chicken
Follow these steps to create your own Easy Bruschetta Chicken:
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Make the Bruschetta Topping: In a medium bowl, gently stir together the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, vinegar, olive oil, and chopped basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1½ to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they’re golden brown on each side and fully cooked through. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then top each chicken breast with about ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and let the cheese melt.
- Assemble the Dish: Once the cheese has melted, top each chicken breast with a generous spoonful of the tomato mixture and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top. Serve promptly for the best flavor and texture.
Helpful Tips
- Perfectly Juicy Chicken: Use chicken breasts that are similar in thickness to ensure even cooking. You can also pound them lightly to an even thickness if needed.
- Fresh Basil Flavor: Add the basil just before serving to preserve its fresh, bright flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze Consistency: The glaze should be thick enough to drizzle but not overly sticky. If it thickens too much, you can thin it with a small splash of balsamic vinegar.
Cooking Tips
Here are some extra tips to make this Easy Bruschetta Chicken even more delicious:
- Tomato Choice: Use Roma or cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and firm texture, which holds up well in the bruschetta topping.
- Melting the Cheese: Covering the skillet with foil helps the mozzarella melt evenly over the chicken.
- Serving Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed right after assembly, while the cheese is warm and the bruschetta topping is fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Easy Bruschetta Chicken with a side of garlic bread, pasta, or a simple green salad. This dish also pairs well with a light, refreshing drink like iced tea or sparkling water with lemon. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a look at the nutritional profile of this Easy Bruschetta Chicken:
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Potassium: 580mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 12%
- Vitamin C: 15%
- Calcium: 18%
- Iron: 8%
This dish is packed with protein and fresh ingredients, making it a satisfying yet light meal option.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: For best results, reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding the bruschetta topping fresh each time. Avoid microwaving as it may change the texture of the chicken and tomatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the balsamic glaze and bruschetta topping in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving.
Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Try using fresh mozzarella or provolone for a different texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
Red wine vinegar can work as a substitute in the bruschetta topping, but for the glaze, balsamic is best for its sweetness and depth.
Related Recipes
If you enjoy this dish, you might love these similar recipes:
- Classic Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction
- Chicken Parmesan with Fresh Marinara
- Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Bread
- Balsamic Glazed Grilled Vegetables
Conclusion
That’s it—the perfect Easy Bruschetta Chicken recipe! With juicy chicken, fresh bruschetta, melted cheese, and a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful mix of flavors in every bite!