Posted Aug 16, 2023, Updated Mar 29, 2024
If you’re like us in the summertime and rely on your grill and garden to make most of your meals, then you will love this bruschetta chicken recipe!
Chicken breasts are infused with flavor in a delicious marinade then grilled and topped with an easy & delicious homemade bruschetta.
Serve it with some fresh mozzarella and toasty bread for a healthy & delicious main dish your whole family will love.
Bruschetta Chicken: Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts. Chicken thighs or wings also work well. Olive Oil. I don’t recommend substitutes, although if I had to avocado oil would be my top choice. Balsamic Vinegar. use a high quality balsamic vinegar. It should be thick and naturally sweet and pour like molasses (not watery at all). Minced Garlic. freshly minced or jarred are both great choices. Tomatoes. use your favorite variety: Roma, vine-ripened, heirloom, etc. Fresh Basil. there are no substitutes for fresh basil! do not leave it out!
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken
Let’s walk through this bruschetta chicken recipe together, and don’t forget to watch the video!
Marinate the Chicken
Begin by marinating the chicken! Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt and pepper together in a medium bowl. Then, place the chicken breasts into a glass container with a lid or in a plastic bag inside another container (in case the bag leaks) and pour the marinade over the chicken turn to coat the chicken. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 1-6 hours, or at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes.
Make the Bruschetta topping
While the chicken is marinating, make the bruschetta. Begin by finely chop the basil and dicing the tomatoes. Then, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Next, add the diced tomatoes and basil and stir to combine. Then, season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and set it aside.
Make the Toasted Bread (Optional for Serving)
You do not have to serve the bruschetta chicken with bread – however we love to add it as a fun side or way to eat the chicken. To toast the bread, slice one baguette or loaf of french bread into individual-sized servings. Then, arrange the bread evenly on a large baking sheet and brush the surface of each piece with olive oil. Next, bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 8 minutes, until it is toasted but not too hard/crispy. It should be soft to bite into but toasted enough to hold the bruschetta without turning mushy.
Grill the Bruschetta Chicken
When you’re ready to serve, remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and shake off excess marinade. Then, lightly sprinkle one side with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken over medium heat for about 5 minutes on the first side, and 3-5 on the second side, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Assemble the Bruschetta Chicken
To assemble the dish, place the cooked chicken breasts on a serving plate. Then, top them with the prepared bruschetta. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or mozzarella balls as well!
Serve
Serve warm with toasted french bread and a side burrata salad. This also pairs well with pesto pasta, easy risotto, lemon pasta salad and a yummy summer fruit salad.
Store
Store leftover bruschetta chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I do like to store the grilled chicken and bruschetta topping separately, then warm the chicken and add the bruschetta when I’m ready to enjoy the leftovers. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because freezing changes the texture of the tomatoes. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
