Bruschetta Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of classic Italian bruschetta with juicy grilled or baked chicken breasts. This dish is not only flavorful but also healthy and easy to prepare, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Here’s how to make Bruschetta Chicken:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (optional, for balsamic glaze)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for balsamic glaze)
For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, diced (optional)
Equipment:
- Grill or skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan (if making balsamic glaze)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Flatten the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin between two pieces of plastic wrap. This helps them cook evenly.
- Rub each chicken breast with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, heat it over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
2. Make the Balsamic Glaze (Optional):
- While the chicken is cooking, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the mixture is reduced by half and thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Bruschetta Topping:
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and let it sit to blend the flavors while the chicken cooks.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer each breast to a plate.
- Spoon a generous amount of bruschetta topping over each chicken breast.
- If using, add diced mozzarella over the top.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Bruschetta Chicken immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of cooked pasta, a green salad, or crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Bruschetta Chicken:
- Tomato Selection: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best taste. In off-season months, cherry or grape tomatoes can be a good alternative as they tend to have more flavor.
- Marinating: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a bit of balsamic vinegar for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Cheese Options: Fresh mozzarella is traditional, but you can also use grated Parmesan or a slice of provolone for a different flavor profile.
This Bruschetta Chicken recipe captures the essence of simple Italian cooking, offering a delicious blend of fresh ingredients with the savory depth of well-seasoned chicken. Enjoy your meal!