Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken Recipe

Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken is an irresistible, flavorful dish that brings together the classic Italian flavors of fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, and balsamic vinegar. This dish features tender grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant and zesty bruschetta mixture. It’s the perfect combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic herbs.

The versatility of this recipe allows it to be served as a family dinner, weeknight meal, or even a show-stopping dish for a dinner party. Whether you’re serving it with a side of garlic bread, over a bed of pasta, or with a fresh salad, Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken offers a healthy and hearty meal packed with flavor and nutrients.

This guide will walk you through every step of preparing Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken, including tips for grilling and pan-searing, ways to customize the recipe, and how to perfect the bruschetta topping.

Preparation & Cooking

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Tenderize the Chicken (Optional): You can tenderize the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick. This step helps prevent the chicken from drying out while cooking.

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2. Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional dried Italian seasoning. Rub the seasoning into the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

3. Marinate the Chicken (Optional): If you have time, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. This will help the flavors absorb more deeply, but it’s not necessary if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Preparing the Bruschetta Topping

1. Dice the Tomatoes: Start by dicing the Roma tomatoes into small cubes. Try to remove some of the seeds and excess juice to keep the topping from becoming too watery. You can also use cherry or grape tomatoes if Roma tomatoes are unavailable.

2. Chop the Basil: Fresh basil is key to the bruschetta topping’s flavor. Stack the basil leaves, roll them up, and slice them thinly (called a chiffonade). This method releases the oils and enhances the flavor of the basil.

3. Mix the Bruschetta Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to break down the tomatoes too much. Optionally, you can add finely diced red onion for a bit of extra crunch and flavor.

4. Rest the Topping: Allow the bruschetta mixture to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld together and the balsamic vinegar to slightly marinate the tomatoes, enhancing the overall taste.

Step 3: Cooking the Chicken

You have two options for cooking the chicken: grilling or pan-searing. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose based on your equipment and preference.

Grilling the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Avoid pressing the chicken down on the grill, as this can cause it to dry out.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain the juices.

Pan-Seared Chicken:

1. Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Let the oil heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
2. Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, turning only once. The chicken should have a golden-brown crust on each side. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
3. Rest the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the pan and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Adding the Mozzarella and Bruschetta

1. Add the Mozzarella: Once the chicken is cooked and resting, slice the fresh mozzarella into thick slices (if using a mozzarella ball). Place a slice or two of mozzarella on top of each chicken breast.

2. Melt the Mozzarella: You can melt the mozzarella in two ways:

   • Grill Method: After placing the mozzarella on top of the chicken, close the grill lid for about 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
   • Oven Method: If grilling, you can transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

3. Top with Bruschetta: Spoon the fresh bruschetta mixture over the melted mozzarella. This combination of warm cheese and cold, tangy tomatoes is the heart of this dish. Add a few more fresh basil leaves on top for garnish.

Step 5: Serving

Serve the Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken with your choice of sides. Here are some great options to complete the meal:

• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the juicy chicken and fresh tomato topping. You can easily make garlic bread by spreading butter, garlic, and parsley on slices of baguette or Italian bread and toasting them in the oven.
• Pasta: A side of spaghetti, penne, or other pasta dressed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese makes for a hearty meal.
• Salad: A fresh side salad with greens, cucumbers, red onions, and a balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers would complement the flavors of the bruschetta topping beautifully.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly, and overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally for optimal juiciness.
2. Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella, often found in balls packed in water, melts better than pre-shredded mozzarella and adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish.
3. Make the Bruschetta in Advance: You can prepare the bruschetta topping ahead of time (up to 2 hours) and store it in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before serving to enhance the flavors.
4. Grill or Sear the Chicken: For an extra smoky flavor, grilling the chicken is ideal, but pan-searing also gives the chicken a deliciously golden crust. Choose based on your available equipment.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: If you prefer dark meat, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful but may require slightly longer cooking times.
2. Vegan Option: For a plant-based version, substitute the chicken with grilled or pan-seared eggplant or portobello mushrooms. You can also use vegan mozzarella for the topping.
3. Spicy Bruschetta: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta topping for a bit of heat.
4. Additional Toppings: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the chicken and bruschetta for extra flavor. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese over the bruschetta before serving.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the freshness of tomatoes, the richness of mozzarella, and the juicy tenderness of well-cooked chicken. Whether grilled or pan-seared, it makes for a wonderful meal any time of year. The addition of the bruschetta topping adds a fresh, tangy element that enhances the chicken and gives the dish a bright and lively flavor profile.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, making a weeknight meal, or preparing something special for your family, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, with its versatility, you can adjust the flavors and toppings to suit your personal tastes. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken Recipe

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Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken is an irresistible, flavorful dish that brings together the classic Italian flavors of fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, and balsamic vinegar. This dish features tender grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant and zesty bruschetta mixture. It’s the perfect combination of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic herbs.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• For the Bruschetta Topping:
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bruschetta Topping:

• In a medium bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine and set aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and basil on both sides.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
• Once the chicken is seared, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. Top with Bruschetta:

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Spoon the prepared bruschetta mixture over each chicken breast, allowing the tomatoes and basil to cover the cheesy chicken.
• Serve immediately, garnishing with extra fresh basil or balsamic glaze, if desired.

Notes

• Chicken Size: Depending on the size of the chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker breasts may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
• Mozzarella: For best results, use fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella cheese. Fresh mozzarella will give a creamier texture.
• Bruschetta Topping Variations: You can add a touch of red onion or a small amount of garlic powder to the bruschetta topping for extra flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the bruschetta topping ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.