Recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Have you ever heard of bruschetta (pronounced broo-skeh-tah)? This Italian dish is typically an antipasto (starter dish) comprised of toasted bread, garlic, and various toppings. We most often see dishes by this name in the US featuring tomatoes and cheese. Combining these toppings with chicken turns this original appetizer into a delicious entrée.
Tomatoes are often a key ingredient in bruschetta dishes. They add bold flavor and are loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin C and lycopene, which aid the body’s natural defense system. Tomato products and cooked tomatoes often have different flavor profiles than raw. While red tomatoes are acidic and great for cooking and making sauces, brown and purple tomatoes can be more complexly flavorful with less acidity. Change up the serving method or type of tomato and see just how much it can elevate your dish!
Pair with a serving of your favorite pasta to balance this meal out to be Plate Method aligned!
Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes
- 1/2 C fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic (or 1-2 tsp minced garlic from a jar)
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 lbs chicken breast (about 3-4 breasts)
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Balsamic glaze (Optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F.
- Chop Roma tomatoes into small pieces, roughly 1/4-inch in size. Add to large bowl.
- Roughly chop basil and mince garlic. Add to tomatoes.
- Add vinegar, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper to tomato mixture. Toss to combine.
- Lay chicken breasts flat in large baking dish. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Bake 20-35 minutes.
- Remove chicken from oven. Spoon tomato mixture atop chicken, spreading evenly. Bake 15 minutes, or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165˚F
- Remove chicken from oven. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if desired, and serve warm.
Swaps
- For the Roma tomatoes: grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- For the mozzarella cheese: dairy-free mozzarella, fresh mozzarella, or goat cheese
- For the chicken breast: cod fillets (baked 10-15 minutes before step 6, depending on size and thickness)
Recipe modified from: The Pinning Mama