Description
This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole combines tender, golden-brown chicken with juicy Roma tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. A flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb. chicken breasts or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- Sea salt and ground black pepper, about 1/4 teaspoon each
Toppings & Seasonings
- 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped and lightly sprinkled with sea salt
- 3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 Tbsp high-quality balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- A small handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the avocado or olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with sea salt and ground black pepper, and cook until the chicken is golden brown and nearly cooked through, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cooked chicken into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly top the chicken with the chopped Roma tomatoes that are lightly salted, crushed garlic, dried oregano, and pour over the balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top to cover the ingredients.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, indicating the dish is heated through and ready.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and cover it. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to cool slightly. Garnish with the fresh chopped basil before serving for a burst of herbal freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken tenders with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces for convenience.
- Using high-quality balsamic vinegar enhances the depth of flavor in the casserole.
- For a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- If you prefer a stronger basil flavor, add extra fresh basil when serving.
- Make sure the chicken is almost cooked through before assembling to ensure even baking and prevent dryness.
