Bruschetta Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole combines the fresh flavors of a classic bruschetta with tender chicken and melted mozzarella for a comforting, easy meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something flavorful without much fuss.

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 F (190 degrees C).
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 prepared with cooking spray or a light brush of oil to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Top the chicken with the chopped tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed garlic, and drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
7. Step 7: Place the casserole into the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 18-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, cover, and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use grape or cherry tomatoes for a sweeter, juicier topping if Roma tomatoes aren’t available.
• For a richer flavor, substitute mozzarella with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the tomatoes for a subtle heat.
• Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Make it a bit lighter by reducing the cheese or using part-skim mozzarella.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through to keep the cheese melty, or microwave in short bursts if in a hurry, though the texture may be slightly softer.

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 or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before starting to cook.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for best results.

Bruschetta Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 195 reviews

This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole combines the classic flavors of Italian bruschetta with tender, golden chicken breasts baked to perfection under a bubbly layer of mozzarella cheese. Juicy Roma tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar create a savory and vibrant topping, while fresh basil adds a fragrant finishing touch. It’s an easy, comforting, and flavorful baked dish perfect for a weeknight meal.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

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

Topping

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s at the ideal temperature when the casserole is ready to bake.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the sides and almost cooked through.
3. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the partially cooked chicken into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top the chicken with the chopped Roma tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tomato and chicken mixture.
6. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce at the bottom is simmering gently.
7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and cover it. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.

Notes

• Use ripe Roma tomatoes for the best texture and flavor in this dish.
• For a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
• Avocado oil can be substituted with olive oil for similar flavor and health benefits.
• If fresh basil is unavailable, dried basil can be used, but add it earlier in the assembly stage to soften.
• This casserole can be made ahead and reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, depending on your cheese’s saltiness.

Keywords: bruschetta chicken casserole, baked chicken casserole, Italian chicken dish, mozzarella chicken bake, healthy chicken casserole