Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into a culinary masterpiece that brings the vibrant tastes of Italy straight to your kitchen! This Italian Herb Bruschetta Chicken is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic punch of basil, and the creamy richness of melted mozzarella. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe is your ticket to an unforgettable dining experience that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and reaches the desired temperature.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a nice sear and prevents the chicken from steaming during cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a delicious crust.
- Once the chicken is seared, remove the skillet from the heat. Spoon the tomato and basil mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously on top of the tomato mixture. This will melt beautifully in the oven.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
- Serve the Italian Herb Bruschetta Chicken warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Use fresh basil if possible – it makes a world of difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Let the tomato mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before topping the chicken to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in some of the balsamic mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the most vibrant bruschetta topping.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
