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Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Bake Recipe

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4.4 from 133 reviews

Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated with a savory Parmesan and basil crust, topped with a creamy balsamic-yogurt sauce, fresh tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. This oven-baked recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served alongside pasta or rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Coating

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 fresh basil leaves (stacked, rolled, and minced)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 large egg + 1 tablespoon water (whisked)

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed if frozen)
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes, drained (or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes)
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or any good melting cheese)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Season Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
  3. Prepare Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together one large egg and one tablespoon of water to create an egg wash for coating the chicken.
  4. Mix Parmesan and Basil: In another small bowl, combine the freshly grated Parmesan cheese with the finely minced fresh basil leaves.
  5. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, then press both sides into the Parmesan and basil mixture to thoroughly coat the chicken.
  6. Prepare Baking Pan: Spray a baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then lay the coated chicken breasts evenly in the pan.
  7. Make Yogurt Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, plain Greek yogurt, and minced garlic together until well combined, forming a tangy creamy sauce.
  8. Add Sauce and Tomatoes: Pour the yogurt sauce evenly over the coated chicken breasts, then top with the drained canned diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes.
  9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the chicken gently and meld flavors.
  10. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to allow the top to slightly brown and thicken the sauce.
  11. Add Cheese and Broil: Place one slice of fresh mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Return to the oven and cook for 5 more minutes or broil briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot with your choice of pasta or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy your Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Bake!

Notes

  • Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil will not provide the same freshness.
  • Ensure the chicken breasts are thawed before starting the recipe for even cooking.
  • Draining the canned tomatoes helps prevent excess liquid and soggy bake.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, verify that all seasonings and sauces used are gluten-free.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Substitute fresh mozzarella with another melting cheese like provolone or fontina if desired.
  • For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the yogurt sauce.

Keywords: Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken, Baked Chicken Breast, Italian Chicken Bake, Parmesan Basil Chicken, Greek Yogurt Chicken Bake, Healthy Chicken Recipes

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/cheesy-bruschetta-chicken-bake-recipe/