Bruschetta Chicken Casserole

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Bruschetta Chicken Casserole

This vibrant dish captures everything you love about classic Italian bruschetta, reimagined into a comforting, low-carb weeknight bake. Tender, seasoned chicken breast pieces are layered with sweet, juicy tomatoes, fragrant garlic, melted mozzarella, and a fresh pop of basil.

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 25–30 minutes

  • Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

  • 2 cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Season Chicken: Toss the chicken cubes in the baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly.

  3. Make Bruschetta Topping: In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

  4. Assemble: Spoon the tomato mixture evenly over the raw chicken layers.

  5. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Carefully remove from the oven, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese across the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

  6. Finish: Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Notes & Tips

  • Drain Excess Juice: If your tomatoes are exceptionally juicy, gently squeeze out some of the seeds and liquid before mixing to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

  • Add a Crunch: If you aren’t watching your carbs, top individual servings with toasted seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed croutons right before serving to mimic traditional bruschetta toast.

Health Benefit & Nutrition

  • Benefit: A fantastic high-protein, low-carbohydrate dinner. Tomatoes provide a potent dose of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to improved heart health and reduced cellular damage.

Per Serving:

  • Calories: 310 kcal

  • Protein: 38g

  • Fat: 15g

  • Carbs: 5g

Q&A

Q: Can I use whole chicken breasts instead of cubing them?

A: Yes, but you will need to increase the initial baking time to 25–30 minutes before adding the cheese to ensure the chicken breasts are cooked through to an internal temperature of 74°C.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven at 170°C until warmed through.

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