Bruschetta Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
divided
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
divided
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
divided
- 4 medium boneless
skinless chicken breasts, 2 to 2 1/2 pounds total
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes
about 2 1/2 cups
- 4 sprigs fresh basil
plus more for garnish
- 4 teaspoons balsamic glaze
divided
- 6 ounces sliced low-moisture mozzarella cheese
about 8 slices
Directions
- 1
Finely grate 2 of the garlic cloves into a large bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil, 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of the black pepper. Whisk to combine.
- 2
Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, place 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Add the chicken to the marinade and flip to coat. Cover and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- 3
Meanwhile, finely grate the remaining 2 garlic cloves into a medium bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of the balsamic glaze and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk to combine. Quarter 12 ounces cherry tomatoes. Pick the leaves from 4 fresh basil sprigs until you have about 1/4 cup and coarsely chop. Add both to the dressing and toss to combine. Refrigerate if marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes.
- 4
Heat a 12-inch skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken in a single layer, shaking off any excess marinade back into the bowl. Sear until browned on the bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and registers at least 165ºF on an instant-read thermometer, 5 to 7 more minutes.
- 5
Top the chicken evenly with 6 ounces sliced low-moisture mozzarella cheese, overlapping the slices as needed. Cover and cook until the mozzarella is melted, 1 to 2 minutes. Spoon the tomato mixture, including the juices, evenly over the chicken, allowing some tomatoes to fall to the bottom of the pan. Drizzle with the remaining 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze and remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with more chopped basil leaves if desired.
Bruschetta Chicken
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Tired of mundane weeknight meals? This Bruschetta Chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that feels special yet comes together with ease.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish shines by layering fresh, robust flavors. Tender chicken breasts provide the perfect canvas for a bright, zesty bruschetta-inspired topping, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pungent garlic, all brought together with a tangy red wine vinegar and rich olive oil dressing. The melted low-moisture mozzarella adds a creamy, comforting element, beautifully contrasted by a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze finish, ensuring every bite is a delightful balance.
What to Expect
Prepare your senses for a symphony of tastes and textures. You'll savor the tender, savory chicken, complemented by the burst of fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes and the aromatic lift of basil. The sharp, savory garlic notes blend harmoniously with a subtle tang from the red wine vinegar, while the melted mozzarella offers a warm, yielding counterpoint. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties everything together, adding a sophisticated, sweet-tart finish that elevates the entire experience. This is a dish that tastes both fresh and satisfying, with a beautiful presentation that belies its straightforward preparation.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the fresh elements to your liking. While cherry tomatoes are perfect, you could experiment with other small, ripe tomato varieties. If you're out of fresh basil, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning can offer a different herbaceous note, though fresh is always best here. For the cheese, a sharp provolone could offer a different flavor profile than the milder mozzarella, or you could even use a combination. If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can create a simple reduction of balsamic vinegar yourself.
Serving & Context
This Bruschetta Chicken is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve to guests. Pair it with a simple side salad, some crusty bread to soak up the juices, or a light pasta dish.