Description
Clean Eats Bruschetta Chicken Casserole transforms a beloved Italian appetizer into a wholesome main course. It combines sun-ripened tomatoes, aromatic basil, and garlic with tender chicken. This easy recipe delivers a guilt-free meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 4 ounces light cream cheese, softened (optional)
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1.5 lbs ripe Roma tomatoes, finely diced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped or chiffonaded
- 2 tablespoons good quality balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown.
- Transfer skillet to the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes, then shred or cube.
- Wash and finely dice Roma tomatoes and place them in a medium mixing bowl.
- Peel and mince garlic and add to the bowl with tomatoes.
- Wash, dry, and finely chop or chiffonade basil leaves. Add to the bowl with tomatoes and garlic.
- Add balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil to the tomato mixture. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently and set aside.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chicken broth, and Greek yogurt. Optionally stir in cream cheese until smooth. Stir in mozzarella cheese.
- Adjust seasoning of chicken mixture with salt and pepper.
- Transfer chicken mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove casserole from oven and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Return casserole to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Spoon bruschetta topping over the hot casserole.
- Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optional: sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Serve warm as a complete meal or with a salad, pasta, or quinoa.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Clean Eating, Bruschetta, Chicken, Casserole, Healthy Recipe