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Easy Bruschetta Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 11 reviews

This Easy Bruschetta Chicken recipe combines juicy, herb-marinated chicken breasts topped with melty cheese and fresh, vibrant tomato bruschetta. Perfectly seared and oven-baked, this dish brings together classic Italian flavors for a simple, flavorful weeknight meal that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or pasta.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade and Topping

  • 6 boneless chicken breasts, pounded thin
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons fig preserves (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon champagne or balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes, to taste
  • 1 cup melty Gouda or mozzarella cheese (or a mix)

For the Tomato Bruschetta

  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons champagne or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fig preserves (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes, to taste

To Serve

  • Grilled or crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
  2. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with olive oil, fig preserves (if using), champagne or balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, chopped garlic, chopped basil, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 5 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
  3. Prepare the tomato topping: In another bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, fig preserves (optional), honey, chopped shallot, chopped garlic, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken breasts along with any leftover marinade from the bowl. Sear the chicken on each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Add cheese and tomatoes, then bake: After searing, top each chicken breast with the cheese. Spoon about two large spoonfuls of the prepared tomato mixture over each piece. Transfer the skillet or chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through.
  6. Serve and garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and finish topping with the remaining tomato mixture and fresh basil. Serve immediately with grilled or crusty bread, or alongside pasta for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight but a minimum of 5 minutes works if short on time.
  • Fig preserves are optional but add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory herbs.
  • Use a mix of Gouda and mozzarella cheese for a nice balance of melting quality and flavor.
  • You can substitute fresh herbs for dried if preferred, adjusting quantities accordingly.
  • If you don’t have a skillet that can go into the oven, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing before baking.