Description
Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a delightful one-dish meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with a fresh bruschetta mix of cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar, layered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and finished with a crispy buttery breadcrumb topping. This baked casserole combines Italian-inspired flavors with comforting, cheesy goodness, perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cheese and 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 prepare it for assembling the casserole.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then evenly season them with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to infuse great flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through completely. Once done, remove the 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 of olive oil. Stir gently to mix all the flavors together and then set aside.
- Assemble the casserole: Place the cooked chicken breasts inside the prepared casserole dish. Spoon a generous amount of the bruschetta mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the bruschetta-topped chicken to create a cheesy layer.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are well coated. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer to add a crunchy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, serve warm and enjoy this flavorful Chicken Bruschetta Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture.
- Using fresh mozzarella instead of shredded will give a creamier texture.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
