Tomato Basil Bruschetta Chicken

Bruschetta Chicken transforms the beloved classic Italian appetizer into a stunning and satisfying dinner. Imagine perfectly grilled balsamic-marinated chicken breasts, generously topped with a vibrant, garlicky tomato bruschetta, and finished with slices of creamy avocado. This dish is a harmonious blend of fresh, zesty, and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, delicious, and easy weeknight meal that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.

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Bruschetta Chicken: The Dinner That Will Steal the Show

I can genuinely say this dish is nothing short of incredible! My passion for bruschetta ignited during a memorable trip through Italy. The fresh, bright flavors of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pungent garlic, perfectly balanced with a touch of olive oil and balsamic, were simply irresistible. The highlight of that trip was undoubtedly an authentic Italian cooking class, where I had the privilege of learning the true art of making bruschetta – a skill I brought back with me and cherish.

Inspired by those authentic Italian tastes, I set out to create a main course that encapsulated the essence of traditional bruschetta. This Bruschetta Chicken recipe is the result, and it has quickly become a standout favorite in my kitchen. Every member of my family is absolutely obsessed with it, and it’s a dish I’m incredibly proud to share. I truly can’t wait for you to experience these amazing flavors and hear what you think!

Key Ingredients In Bruschetta Chicken

While the full recipe with precise measurements is provided below, understanding the role of a few key ingredients can elevate your Bruschetta Chicken to perfection.

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise and pounding them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and remain incredibly tender and juicy.
• Dynamic Chicken Marinade: This marinade is a true workhorse, serving three vital functions: it tenderizes and infuses the chicken with rich flavor, it’s used for basting to build a delicious crust during cooking, and a portion is reserved to finish the dish, adding a final burst of zesty balsamic goodness.
• Freshly Shredded Parmesan: For the most authentic and robust flavor, always opt for a block of Parmesan cheese and shred it fresh just before serving. The pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that compromise both flavor and texture.
• Ripe Cherry Tomatoes: The heart of the bruschetta topping relies on fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and vibrant acidity are crucial. Dice them very finely to achieve that classic bruschetta texture and ensure the flavors meld beautifully.
• Aromatic Fresh Basil: This herb is non-negotiable for true bruschetta flavor. For the best aroma and taste, slice or tear the basil leaves just before incorporating them into the topping. In Italy, they often hand-tear basil to prevent bruising and preserve its delicate essence.
• Creamy Avocado: The addition of ripe avocado introduces a wonderful creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats, beautifully complementing the tangy bruschetta and savory chicken.

How To Make Bruschetta Chicken (Expert Tips for Success)

Creating this flavorful Bruschetta Chicken is straightforward, but a few key tips will ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Allow Bruschetta to Mingle: After combining your tomato topping ingredients, let it sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. This crucial resting period allows the flavors of the tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic to meld and deepen, creating a more cohesive and delicious bruschetta.
• Mind Your Marinade Time: While marinating adds incredible flavor, be cautious not to over-marinate the chicken, especially with an acidic base like balsamic vinegar. Marinating for too long (over 4 hours) can cause the chicken to become tough rather than tender.
• Trust a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken is to use a meat thermometer. Cook the chicken until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This eliminates guesswork and guarantees food safety.
• Rest Your Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and moist chicken.
• Finely Dice Your Topping: For the best bruschetta experience, aim for a very fine dice on your cherry tomatoes, red onion, and garlic. Smaller pieces mean more flavor in every bite and a better texture.
• High-Quality Balsamic: Invest in a good quality balsamic vinegar for both the marinade and the bruschetta topping. A richer, more complex balsamic will significantly enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Don’t Waste Those Juices: The drained liquid from the bruschetta topping is packed with flavor. Drizzling it over your cooked quinoa or other grains before serving adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

What To Serve With Bruschetta Chicken

This Bruschetta Chicken is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right side dishes can truly complete the Italian-inspired dining experience. Here are some fantastic options:

• Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette Slices: The classic companion! Perfect for soaking up any extra bruschetta juices or the delicious balsamic marinade from your plate. A crusty bread adds a satisfying crunch.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the main course with fresh, seasonal vegetables. Asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or even a medley of Mediterranean vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs make perfect, healthy sides.
• Simple Italian Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a bright, herby vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken and bruschetta. Think mixed greens, thinly sliced red onion, and a simple lemon-herb dressing. Try this Healthy Italian Salad.
• Caprese Salad: Elevate the tomato and basil flavors with a refreshing Caprese salad. Slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze, echo the core ingredients of your main dish beautifully. Here’s a Caprese Salad with Basil Dressing.
• Creamy Risotto: For a more indulgent side, a creamy mushroom or parmesan risotto would be a luxurious pairing, offering a comforting and rich counterpoint to the fresh chicken.
• Light Pasta Dish: A simple pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, or a light pesto sauce, would also be a wonderful addition, keeping with the Italian theme.

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Bruschetta Chicken

By Chelsea Lords

Bruschetta Chicken brings big flavor with balsamic-marinated chicken, garlicky tomato topping, and creamy avocado in every bite.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Grill (or large nonstick skillet)

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 pound (2 small) chicken breasts, cut in half and pounded to even thickness
• 2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 large lemon (for 3 tablespoons juice)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Quinoa/Plates

• 1 batch quinoa, cooked
• 1 large avocado, sliced or diced
• Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded (see Note 1)

“Bruschetta” Topping

• 1-1/4 cups cherry tomatoes, diced very fine (almost like a paste)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons red onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely diced
• 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Chicken Marinade & Cooking

1. Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
2. Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
3. Marinate the chicken: Reserve 1/3 cup of this marinade for basting and finishing. Pour the remaining marinade over the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours, as the acid can toughen the chicken.
4. Grill the chicken: Clean and lightly oil your grill grates. Preheat your grill to medium heat (375–450°F or 190-230°C). Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 4–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). While grilling, brush the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the reserved marinade. Save the remaining reserved marinade for serving. (For stovetop instructions, see Note 2).
5. Rest the chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken.

Toppings Preparation

1. Prepare the bruschetta: In a separate bowl, combine the finely diced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, minced red onion, finely diced fresh basil, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, and 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the bruschetta topping sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, tossing occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Prepare the quinoa: Cook quinoa according to package directions or your preferred method. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then fluff with a fork and allow it to cool slightly. Drain any extra liquid from the prepared bruschetta topping and drizzle it over the cooked quinoa, tossing to lightly coat and infuse with flavor.

Assemble Your Dish

1. Plate the meal: Divide the flavored quinoa among four serving plates. Top each portion of quinoa with a piece of rested, sliced grilled chicken.
2. Finish the chicken: Brush the chicken with the remaining reserved marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Add toppings: Spoon a generous amount of the fresh bruschetta topping over each chicken breast. Arrange sliced or diced avocado alongside the chicken.
4. Garnish and serve: Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• Note 1 (Parmesan Cheese): For the ultimate flavor and texture, use a microplane or fine grater to finely grate a block of fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the plates just before serving. The delicate, fluffy texture melts beautifully and provides a superior taste compared to pre-grated options.
• Note 2 (Stovetop Cooking): If you prefer to cook your chicken on the stovetop, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Let any excess marinade drip off the chicken, then cook for 2–4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and brush with the reserved marinade immediately.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. It’s best to keep the chicken, bruschetta, and quinoa separate. Add fresh avocado just before serving reheated portions.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 522 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 47.7 g
|
Protein: 46.9 g
|
Fat: 15.8 g
|
Cholesterol: 124.1 mg
|
Sodium: 277.7 mg
|
Fiber: 4.5 g
|
Sugar: 4.5 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.