Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole is a delightful fusion of classic bruschetta flavors with tender chicken breast, fresh tomatoes, basil, and melted mozzarella, all baked to perfection. It’s a quick and easy 35-minute recipe perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings vibrant Mediterranean taste to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 lb. chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon each
- Cooking spray
Bruschetta Toppings
- 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped and lightly sprinkled in 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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole after assembly.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season them with sea salt and black pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and nearly cooked through.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cooked chicken evenly to an 8×8 inch baking dish. Layer the chopped, salted Roma tomatoes over the chicken, then sprinkle with dried oregano and crushed garlic. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the top. Finally, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the toppings to cover the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese has melted fully and is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and cover it loosely to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish the top with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving to add freshness and an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Fresh basil added at the end enhances the aroma and adds a vibrant color contrast.
- Avocado oil can be substituted with olive oil depending on your preference or availability.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through while pan-frying as the baking step mainly melts the cheese and blends flavors.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.