Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Quick Answer
A dish bursting with flavor, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners during the colder months.
As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach here in New York City, my kitchen fills with the comforting scents of roasting meats and baking bread. While I love the classic turkey and stuffing, I also enjoy exploring new flavors that can become my holiday staples. Enter the Chicken Bruschetta Bake with Stuffing—a dish bursting with flavor, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners during the colder months. The mix of juicy chicken, vibrant tomatoes, and herby stuffing creates a dish that feels both homely and festive.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly combines comforting flavors of chicken and stuffing with fresh, vibrant bruschetta.
- Easy to prepare, making it ideal for holiday gatherings and cozy dinners alike.
- Utilizes fresh ingredients, elevating the taste to a new level of deliciousness.
- A visually appealing dish that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile enough to be made with rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bruschetta Bake, you will need:
For the Chicken
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
For the Stuffing
- 1.5 cups prepared stuffing mix (recommended: Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Stuffing)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make Chicken Bruschetta Bake (Step-by-Step)
This Chicken Bruschetta Bake is a straightforward yet flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the perfect cooking environment for your dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large bowl, drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. After coating, place the chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring they are snugly nestled together.
Step 3: Mix the Bruschetta Topping
In another bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and balsamic vinegar. Allow this mixture to marinate for a few minutes, letting the fresh aromas come together.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Spoon the bruschetta topping over the seasoned chicken. Sprinkle the prepared stuffing over the top and finish with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a colorful and inviting dish.
Step 5: Bake It
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The cheese should be bubbly and golden, and the stuffing should have a lovely crispy top.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. The combination of creamy cheese and crunchy stuffing with succulent chicken is a true delight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken: Ensure you check the internal temperature; overcooked chicken can be dry and unappetizing.
- Not seasoning enough: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning the chicken; it’s essential for flavor.
- Using stale stuffing: Freshly prepared stuffing works best; stale stuffing can lead to a dry texture that doesn’t meld well with the other ingredients.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- To add a little extra flavor, consider incorporating some sautéed garlic and onions into the stuffing for a heartier taste.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time; just shred it and mix it into the bruschetta layer.
- For those who love a kick, add some red pepper flakes to your bruschetta topping!
Variations
- Substitute chicken with turkey for a different protein option.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for varied flavor.
- Incorporate different vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, into the bruschetta topping.
How to Serve
- Serve hot out of the oven with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with garlic bread for a comforting, hearty dinner.
- Garnish with extra fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken and bruschetta topping in advance and assemble just before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven for a crispy texture, or microwave for a quick meal.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen before baking. Wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
After trying out this Chicken Bruschetta Bake, I realized that the use of fresh ingredients makes a significant difference in flavor. The balance of comforting stuffing with the refreshing bruschetta topping creates a delightful meal that I look forward to sharing with family this holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 · Serving Size: 1 piece
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 30g protein · 32g carbs · 12g fat
Delicious Chicken Bruschetta Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and balsamic vinegar.
- Spoon the bruschetta topping over the seasoned chicken. Sprinkle the prepared stuffing over the top and add shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Once out of the oven, let the dish sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but be aware that it may result in a slightly greasier dish. If you prefer, you can trim the skin before cooking.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Chicken Bruschetta Bake in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
3. What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
4. Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables or a meat substitute like tofu or tempeh, and keep the rest of the recipe the same.
5. How do I store leftovers properly?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat them in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
