Description
Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a fresh bruschetta mixture of cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar, layered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, and finished with a crispy seasoned breadcrumb topping. This oven-baked casserole is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese and Toppings
- 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 baking.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then evenly season with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the bruschetta topping: In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir gently to mix and set aside to let flavors meld.
- Assemble the casserole: Place the cooked chicken breasts evenly in the greased casserole dish. Spoon a generous amount of the bruschetta mixture over each piece of chicken.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the bruschetta-topped chicken to create a cheesy layer.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, mix seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer to add a crispy topping.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the hearty and flavorful Chicken Bruschetta Casserole.
Notes
- You can use fresh or dried herbs for seasoning depending on availability.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in the seasoning mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- This casserole pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
