What the heck is this?
Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a savory, cheesy delight that combines all the flavors you love in a classic bruschetta but with a cozy, comforting twist. This dish takes juicy, tender chicken, a zesty tomato-basil topping, and loads of melty mozzarella cheese to create the perfect casserole. Think of it as a warm, cheesy version of your favorite bruschetta appetizer, all baked into one hearty meal. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or need a dish to impress, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It combines the fresh, zesty flavors of bruschetta with the comfort of a casserole.
- Quick and easy to make with minimal prep.
- A one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Full of lean protein, veggies, and gooey cheese.
- Packed with fresh herbs and seasonings that make every bite burst with flavor.
- Reheats beautifully for leftovers.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for the topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Bruschetta Topping
In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Once the chicken is cooked, place it in a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the bruschetta mixture evenly over the chicken. Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden, crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve over a bed of rice, quinoa, or pasta to add some extra carbs.
- Add a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for an additional burst of flavor.
Switch It Up
- Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the bruschetta topping for a different veggie twist.
- Swap out the chicken for turkey breasts or even chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- For a low-carb option, serve the casserole with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies.
- Make it extra cheesy by adding provolone or fontina to the cheese topping.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep this casserole ahead of time by assembling it in the casserole dish, covering it tightly, and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the baking instructions. Leftovers will keep for 3–4 days in the fridge and can be easily reheated in the microwave or oven.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor to the dish, but just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Just assemble it, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can make this dairy-free by swapping the cheeses for dairy-free alternatives, such as vegan mozzarella and Parmesan.
Chicken Bruschetta Casserole: A Flavor-Packed, One-Dish Wonder
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a savory, cheesy delight that combines all the flavors you love in a classic bruschetta but with a cozy, comforting twist. This dish takes juicy, tender chicken, a zesty tomato-basil topping, and loads of melty mozzarella cheese to create the perfect casserole. Think of it as a warm, cheesy version of your favorite bruschetta appetizer, all baked into one hearty meal. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen. Whether you’re craving something light yet satisfying or need a dish to impress, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil (for the topping)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Bruschetta Topping
In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Once the chicken is cooked, place it in a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Pour the bruschetta mixture evenly over the chicken. Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a golden, crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Pair this with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Serve over a bed of rice, quinoa, or pasta to add some extra carbs.
Add a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze for an additional burst of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~375 calories
- Protein: ~42g