Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a fresh and simple dinner that brings classic Italian-inspired flavors straight to your oven with minimal effort. Juicy baked chicken breasts are topped with a bright, garlicky tomato bruschetta mixture and finished with melted mozzarella for a comforting yet light meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual entertaining, and it uses straightforward ingredients measured entirely in US units for dependable results every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bruschetta Chicken Bake
This Bruschetta Chicken Bake is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and naturally family-friendly. The chicken stays tender and juicy while baking, and the fresh tomato topping adds a burst of brightness that keeps the dish from feeling heavy. Everything bakes in one dish, which means fewer dishes to clean and less time in the kitchen. It pairs well with many sides, making it flexible for both low-carb meals and hearty comfort dinners.
Ingredients for Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Fresh tomatoes give the best flavor and texture, but well-drained canned diced tomatoes can be used in a pinch. If you prefer a milder acidity, replace the balsamic vinegar with lemon juice. Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a mozzarella–Parmesan blend works well too. For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free mozzarella-style alternative. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts if you prefer darker meat, but baking time may increase slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
Step 2 – Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3 – Make the Bruschetta Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and basil. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4 – Assemble
Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, spreading it out so each piece is well covered.
Step 5 – Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 6 – Add Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7 – Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Pro Tips for Success
Use evenly sized chicken breasts so they cook at the same rate. If the breasts are very thick, pound them slightly for even baking. Drain excess liquid from the tomato mixture if your tomatoes are very juicy to avoid a watery bake. Fresh basil added at the end enhances flavor even more. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer for best results.
Flavor Variations
Add sliced fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a more traditional look. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the cheese layer for extra richness. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta topping for gentle heat. Stir chopped olives into the tomato mixture for a Mediterranean twist. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bruschetta Chicken Bake with cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa to soak up the juices. For a lighter option, pair it with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad. Garlic bread or crusty bread makes a great side for scooping up the tomato topping. This dish also works well as a protein for meal-prep lunches.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To freeze, place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Bruschetta Chicken Bake – Fresh & Simple
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a simple, flavorful meal with juicy baked chicken topped with fresh tomato bruschetta and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic or red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry, place in dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and basil for the bruschetta topping.
- Spoon bruschetta mixture evenly over chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over chicken and bake 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use evenly sized chicken breasts for even cooking. Pound thicker pieces if needed. Drain excess tomato liquid if very juicy. Fresh basil added at the end enhances flavor. Check doneness with a thermometer for best results. Optional variations: add Parmesan, olives, or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~360 | 42g | 6g | 18g | 1g | 620mg |
FAQ About Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Can I make Bruschetta Chicken Bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for the best texture.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and use a thermometer to remove the chicken as soon as it reaches 165°F. Letting it rest before serving also helps keep it juicy.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes, but drain them very well to prevent excess liquid in the baking dish.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, this dish is naturally low in carbohydrates and works well for low-carb or keto-style meals.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
You can grill the chicken separately and spoon the bruschetta topping and cheese on top, then melt the cheese briefly under a broiler.
Final Thoughts
Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a fresh, simple, and satisfying meal that combines juicy chicken with bright tomato flavor and melted cheese. With minimal prep, one baking dish, and classic ingredients, it’s a recipe you can rely on for both everyday dinners and casual entertaining.