Description
This Bruschetta Chicken recipe features juicy, herb-seasoned chicken breasts topped with a fresh tomato, basil, and balsamic bruschetta mixture and melted mozzarella cheese. Cooked first on the stovetop and then baked to perfection, it offers a delightful combination of savory and tangy flavors with a fresh herbaceous finish, making it a perfect, elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bruschetta Topping
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Heat Oil in Skillet: Warm two tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough for searing the chicken.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is cooked through.
- Prepare Bruschetta Topping: While the chicken bakes, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, one tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a bowl, mixing gently to coat the tomatoes well.
- Mix Topping Ingredients: Stir ingredients together carefully to avoid crushing the tomatoes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add Mozzarella: Remove the chicken skillet from the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Finish Baking: Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
- Top with Bruschetta: Remove from oven and spoon the fresh bruschetta mixture over each chicken breast.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a colorful garnish and serve promptly.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring chicken to another dish for baking.
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
- Fresh mozzarella melts best and provides the best texture in this recipe.
- Bruschetta topping can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to enhance flavors.
- This dish pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad.
