Juicy chicken. Melty cheese. Fresh tomato basil magic.
All baked into one easy, crave-worthy dish.
Table of Contents
🛒 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 4 medium pieces |
| Canned diced tomatoes (drained) | 1 (14.5 oz) can |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Fresh basil (chopped) | ¼ cup |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Italian seasoning (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Croutons or cubed bread (optional, for topping) | 1 cup |
🔥 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts in the dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, garlic, chopped basil, and balsamic vinegar.
- Spoon tomato mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Optional: Add a layer of croutons or toasted cubed bread for a crunchy topping.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is golden and bubbly.
🌟 Tips & Serving Ideas
- Serve it over pasta, rice, or a bed of greens.
- Want more crunch? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Add sliced red onion or chopped olives for extra flavor.
❓FAQs
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Halve 1½ cups of cherry tomatoes and toss them with the basil, garlic, and balsamic.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F and be easy to cut through with a fork.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble everything in the dish (except the croutons) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the crunchy topping right before baking.
💬 Final Bite:
This Bruschetta Chicken Bake is everything you want—juicy, cheesy, herby, and fresh. And best of all? You only need one pan.
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