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Bruschetta Chicken Casserole 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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