Bruschetta Chicken Bake Tomatoes (Printable Version)
Tender chicken and fresh tomatoes baked with mozzarella and Italian herbs for a cozy, flavorful meal.
# Ingredients:
→ Protein
01 -
450 grams boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 -
400 grams diced fresh Roma or Campari tomatoes
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
04 -
100 grams shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Herbs and Seasonings
05 -
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend (oregano, basil, thyme)
06 -
10 grams fresh basil, chopped
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Black pepper, to taste
→ Oils and Vinegars
09 -
15 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
10 -
15 milliliters aged balsamic vinegar
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Lightly grease an 20x20 cm baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, season with Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 74°C. Remove from heat.
03 -
In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to evenly coat the tomatoes with garlic and vinegar.
04 -
Spread half of the tomato mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked chicken pieces over the tomatoes. Pour the remaining tomato mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is fully covered.
05 -
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown at the edges, and the tomatoes are softened.
06 -
Allow the dish to cool slightly. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Use vine-ripened tomatoes for optimal sweetness and texture. Grate mozzarella fresh for superior melting quality.
02 -
Cook chicken pieces in a single layer to develop a caramelized exterior and retain juiciness.
03 -
Leftovers store well for up to three days refrigerated; reheat thoroughly before serving. Avoid freezing the assembled bake to preserve texture.