This is not your average weeknight chicken dinner. Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are crowned with a fresh tomato-basil topping, gooey mozzarella, and a bold balsamic glaze that ties it all together. It’s everything you love about classic bruschetta—just reimagined as a satisfying main course. Fresh, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes, this bruschetta chicken recipe is light enough for summer but comforting enough for any season.
Whether you’re trying to lighten up dinner without sacrificing flavor or impress guests with something easy but elegant, this dish delivers in every way. Let’s dive into what makes this chicken so irresistible.
The Freshness Factor: Let’s Talk Tomatoes
What sets this recipe apart is the homemade tomato topping. Ripe tomatoes—Roma work beautifully—are finely chopped and combined with aromatic shallots, minced garlic, and fragrant basil. It’s bright, bold, and full of life. The contrast between the warm, juicy chicken and the cool, herby tomato mixture is magic in every bite.
And don’t sleep on the balsamic glaze. Just a small drizzle over the top adds depth and a touch of sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
Spotlight on Ingredients: Why Each One Matters
Roma Tomatoes – These have a firmer flesh and fewer seeds than other varieties, which means they hold up well in the bruschetta topping without getting too watery.
Fresh Basil – Don’t skip this. It brings that unmistakable summery herbaceousness that ties the topping together.
Shallots & Garlic – Shallots offer a gentler, slightly sweet onion flavor, while garlic brings punch. Together, they balance the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Olive Oil – Used both in the bruschetta and to sear the chicken, a good olive oil brings richness and enhances all the other flavors.
Mozzarella Cheese – Melts like a dream and gives you that creamy layer of comfort that makes this dish feel indulgent.
Balsamic Glaze – Adds a rich tangy-sweet finishing touch. You can use store-bought or make your own reduction if you’re feeling ambitious.
Chicken Breasts – Sliced in half lengthwise, these cook faster and more evenly—no dry chicken here!
Ingredient Swaps
- Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheesy twist.
- For a lower-calorie option, try using light mozzarella or skipping the cheese entirely.
- Use cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered, if you want a poppier texture in the topping.
Step-by-Step: Bringing It All Together
1. Make the Bruschetta Topping
In a bowl, toss together your chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, shallots, and basil with half of the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a taste—this is where you adjust for brightness or saltiness. If your tomatoes aren’t super sweet, a tiny pinch of sugar can bring balance.
2. Prep & Sear the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. Pat them dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side. You’re looking for golden brown and cooked-through—internal temp should hit 165°F (74°C).
3. Add the Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, place a slice of mozzarella on top of each piece. Cover the skillet with a lid just long enough to let the cheese melt into creamy perfection—this only takes about a minute.
4. Top and Finish
Remove the chicken from the heat. Spoon the fresh bruschetta mixture generously over each piece. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze and a little extra basil if you’ve got it.
What to Serve With Bruschetta Chicken
This dish is super versatile. Serve it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or over a bed of quinoa, orzo, or garlic mashed potatoes. Want something more summery? Pair it with grilled corn or a chilled pasta salad.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you), they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the oven or a covered skillet on low to keep the chicken moist—microwaving works in a pinch, but can make the cheese rubbery.
You can also repurpose leftovers into:
- A sandwich or wrap
- A hearty salad
- Sliced over a flatbread with extra mozzarella and a broil for 2–3 minutes
Bruschetta chicken is the kind of recipe that feels both fancy and effortless. It’s loaded with fresh flavors, minimal fuss, and maximum reward—exactly what dinner should be.
Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Fresh Tomato Topping
- 1 cup Roma tomatoes, finely cubed
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 small Shallot, minced
- 3 leaves Fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive oil Divided into two portions
- ½ tsp Salt Or to taste
- ½ tsp Pepper Or to taste
- 2 large Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless Cut in half lengthwise
- 4 slices Mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Balsamic glaze
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the tomatoes, garlic, shallot, basil, and half of the salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid to allow the cheese to melt, which should take about 1 minute. Remove the chicken from the heat.
- Top each piece of chicken with the prepared bruschetta mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to use provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip making the bruschetta topping and use store-bought salsa instead.
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