Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole brings all the bright, fresh flavors of a classic Italian appetizer into a satisfying and healthy main course. Succulent, bite-sized chicken is layered with vine-ripened Roma tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and melted mozzarella, all finished with a tangy balsamic drizzle and fresh basil. It is the perfect easy weeknight dinner for those seeking a meal that is both light and incredibly flavorful without a lot of heavy prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, or tenders, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil, or olive oil
- 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped and lightly sprinkled in sea salt
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons high quality balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
- cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with sea salt and pepper and cook until they are golden brown on the outside. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
Coat an 8×8 baking dish with cooking spray and transfer the browned chicken into it. Top the chicken evenly with the chopped tomatoes, crushed garlic, dried oregano, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Bake uncovered at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the juices are bubbling.
Step 4: Rest and Garnish
Remove from the oven, cover the dish, and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices. Finish with a handful of fresh chopped basil and serve.
Notes
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the chicken’s moisture, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the dish.
Moisture Tip: To prevent the casserole from becoming too watery, use Roma tomatoes (which have less liquid) and consider lightly deseeding them before chopping. Always pat the chicken dry before browning to get a better sear.
Low-Carb Serving: This dish is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly. Serve it over a bed of zucchini noodles (zoodles) or sautéed spinach to soak up the balsamic tomato juices without the extra carbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: bruschetta chicken casserole, healthy italian dinner, easy chicken bake, low carb chicken recipes, balsamic chicken bake, 30 minute meals