Description
This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a delightful blend of Italian flavors baked into a comforting one-dish meal. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are topped with a fresh bruschetta mixture of cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar, then layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A crispy breadcrumb topping adds a perfect golden crunch, making it a satisfying dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and prepare for the casserole assembly.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts all over with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then evenly season them with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the bruschetta topping: In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir gently to combine and allow the flavors to meld while assembling the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: Arrange the cooked chicken breasts in the prepared casserole dish. Spoon the bruschetta mixture generously over each piece of chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and tomato topping to add a creamy, savory layer.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheesy layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Bruschetta Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella for shredded mozzarella for a creamier texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
