Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining juicy chicken breast pieces with the fresh, vibrant flavors of tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and basil, all baked under a golden mozzarella cheese topping. Inspired by classic bruschetta toppings, this casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers comforting Italian-inspired tastes in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb. chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon each
- Cooking spray
Toppings
- 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped and lightly sprinkled with sea salt
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 Tbsp high-quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- A small handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season them evenly with sea salt and ground black pepper, and cook until they are golden brown on the outside and almost cooked through, ensuring juicy and flavorful chicken.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cooked chicken into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the chopped Roma tomatoes on top, followed by the dried oregano and crushed garlic. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the mixture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, cover it lightly, and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving for a fresher, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe Roma tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and oregano based on personal taste preferences.
- Cooking the chicken until just about done on the stove keeps it juicy when baked.
- You can substitute mozzarella cheese with a lower-fat cheese for a lighter version.
- Serve this casserole with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
