Bruschetta Chicken Bake Italian Summer on a Plate
Craving Italian Try this easy Bruschetta Chicken Bake Juicy tomato basil chicken with melted mozzarella a quick onepan dinner the whole family will love Get the recipe ... Healthy Eats
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever dreamt of Italy, but can't hop on a plane? This Bruschetta Chicken Bake brings sun-soaked Italian flavours straight to your plate! It's the easiest way to have that tomato basil chicken hit!
Brief Overview
Bruschetta originates from Italy. It is a simple, rustic appetizer, now re-imagined as a main course. This easy chicken dinner takes about 45 minutes. It feeds about 4 hungry people!
Main Benefits
This baked bruschetta chicken recipe is packed with protein and fresh veggies. It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal! The best part is it is a one-pan chicken dinner, so less washing up!
Okay, let's get this show on the road! Are you looking for Italian chicken recipes?
Why You'll Love This Baked Bruschetta Chicken
Honestly, this Bruschetta chicken bake is a lifesaver. It's quicker than ordering a takeaway. Plus, it tastes amazing. It's basically summer on a plate! This is great food, good enough to make even Mary Berry proud!
I used to make boring chicken all the time. Then I tried this recipe. Oh my gosh! The fresh tomato and basil are incredible.
The mozzarella chicken bake is the best part. It tastes restaurant-worthy but is made at home!
Bruschetta Chicken Bake Italian Summer on a Plate Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Bruschetta Chicken Bake Sensation!
Okay, let's get this show on the road! To make this Bruschetta chicken bake a total triumph, you will need a few key bits and pieces.
Nothing too complicated, promise! This chicken bake recipe will become a staple.
The Star Players: Ingredients
Right then, for this Italian chicken recipes masterpiece, you'll need:
- 3 cups (450g) fresh diced tomatoes. Get the best ones you can find – they make ALL the difference. Romas are my personal fave!
- 3 cloves minced garlic. Don't be shy, garlic is gorgeous!
- ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh basil. Honestly, fresh basil is a must .
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar. Adds a lovely tang.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) extra virgin olive oil. Gotta have that good stuff.
- Salt and pepper. To taste, of course!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( 6-8oz/170-225g each).
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil.
- Salt and pepper.
- 1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese. Oh my gosh, the CHEESE!
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese. Because more cheese is always better, right?
For the tomatoes, quality matters. If they are ripe and juicy, you are onto a winner! That baked bruschetta chicken will be perfect.
Spice It Up! Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens. The basil and garlic combo is essential for that authentic Italian flavour. A touch of balsamic vinegar adds a lovely tang.
If you don't have balsamic, a squeeze of lemon juice works nicely too. Consider this a quick chicken bake recipe for success.
For an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato mixture is a game-changer.
Kit Essentials: What You'll Need
Don't worry, you probably have most of this already. You'll need:
- An oven-safe skillet. Cast iron is amazing, but any will do!
- A mixing bowl. For the bruschetta goodness.
- A cutting board and knife. To get those tomatoes diced!
- Measuring cups and spoons. For accuracy, obvs.
No fancy gadgets needed here. Just good old Oven baked chicken bruschetta essentials! Many of these can also serve a similar function for a one pan chicken dinner .
So there you have it! Your tomato basil chicken ingredients and equipment sorted. Get it all prepped, and we can start the fun part. Making easy chicken dinner dreams come true!
Cooking Method: Making the Best Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Okay, let's get this show on the road! The heart of any Chicken bake recipe is the cooking method. For our Bruschetta chicken bake , baking brings everything together perfectly.
We’ll take a look at how to bake it just right. Honestly, it's easier than you think!
Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Magic!
Essential mise en place is key. Dice your tomatoes, mince the garlic, and chop the basil. It is about 15 minutes.
Trust me, having everything ready makes cooking a breeze. This way, when it's go time, it's smooth sailing!. For time-saving, use a food processor for the tomatoes.
It saves so much effort!
Safety first. Always use a sharp knife and watch your fingers! Use oven gloves when handling the skillet. Burnt fingers are never fun.
Step-by-Step Process: From Skillet to Scrumptious!
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- Sear the chicken in olive oil 2- 3 minutes per side. You know, get that golden crust.
- Remove from heat and top with your tomato basil mixture. This is where the Italian magic happens.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan generously. Loads of cheese is always a good idea.
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes , or until the internal temperature of the chicken is 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Secrets from the Kitchen!
Marinate the bruschetta topping for at least 15 minutes. This lets the flavours meld beautifully. Also, don't overcook the chicken. It should be juicy, not dry.
A common mistake is using cold chicken. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before searing. This ensures even cooking.
You can prep the bruschetta topping ahead of time. It keeps well in the fridge for a day or two.
This Baked bruschetta chicken is a total winner, it is one of those Italian chicken recipes that everyone loves, it is the perfect easy chicken dinner or one pan chicken dinner for the whole family.
I hope you feel as happy as I was the first time I did it. It is really amazing! Enjoy this quick chicken bake recipes !
Recipe Notes to Make You a Bruschetta Chicken Bake Pro
Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're about to dive into some insider tips. These tips will turn your Bruschetta chicken dreams into a reality.
Seriously, even Mary Berry would be impressed!
Plating Perfection: Serving Suggestions
Presentation is key, right? For your Bruschetta chicken bake , think rustic. Serve each portion of Oven baked chicken bruschetta over a bed of fresh greens.
A drizzle of balsamic glaze? Oh my gosh, yes. Crusty bread on the side is a must. It is perfect for soaking up all those yummy tomato juices.
A simple green salad makes it a full meal. A light Italian white wine is the perfect drink match. Honestly, this Easy chicken dinner is a real crowd-pleaser.
Storage Secrets for Leftover Goodness
Got leftovers of that beautiful Tomato basil chicken ? Lucky you. Place your cooked Chicken bake recipe in an airtight container.
Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days . Want to freeze it? Totally doable. Wrap each portion tightly in foil.
Then, put it in a freezer bag. It will last up to 1 month . Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations to Suit Your Needs
This One pan chicken dinner is super versatile. Want to make it lighter? Use part-skim mozzarella. For a gluten-free version, ensure your balsamic vinegar is gluten-free.
Try swapping out regular tomatoes for sundried tomatoes in winter. This will give the recipe a deeper, richer flavor, perfect for cold nights.
Nutrition Basics You Should Know
Here's a quick peek at the nutrition. Each serving of this Baked bruschetta chicken is roughly 350-400 calories. You also get a good dose of protein, about 40-45g.
Plus, the tomatoes provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Remember that Mozzarella chicken bake provides a good source of calcium. All in all, it is a tasty and somewhat healthy meal.
There you have it! This Quick chicken bake recipe isn't just simple. It's also incredibly adaptable and delicious. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Get in the kitchen and make some magic. Your perfect Italian chicken recipes are waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the bruschetta topping ahead of time for this Bruschetta chicken bake?
Absolutely! Making the bruschetta topping a few hours ahead of time (or even the day before) is a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating an even more delicious final dish. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before adding it to the chicken.
What's the best way to store leftovers of the Bruschetta chicken bake?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can use the microwave, but for best results and to keep the chicken moist, try reheating it in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. A splash of water or chicken broth can prevent it from drying out.
I don't have an oven-safe skillet. Can I still make this Bruschetta chicken bake?
No worries, mate! If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, simply sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish before topping it with the bruschetta mixture and cheese. This works just as well. The key is still getting that initial sear for maximum flavour.
Any tips for keeping the chicken moist and not overcooking it?
Overcooked chicken is a travesty! The best way to avoid dry chicken is to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Also, don't be afraid to add a splash of chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish before baking – this creates some steam and helps keep everything moist.
I'm watching my calorie intake, are there any lighter variations I can make to this Bruschetta Chicken Bake?
You bet! You can definitely lighten this up. Use low-fat mozzarella cheese and be mindful of the amount you use. You can also use chicken breast that are slightly thinner or cut them in half before cooking. Consider serving it with a large salad instead of crusty bread to keep the carbs down.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While you can use dried basil in a pinch, fresh basil is really what makes this dish sing! It provides that bright, vibrant flavour that is so characteristic of bruschetta. If you must use dried, use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every ¼ cup of fresh basil called for in the recipe. But honestly, it's worth grabbing some fresh basil - you won't regret it!
