Description
A practical, no-fuss weeknight meal balancing bright bruschetta flavors with a creamy chicken base, perfect for busy kitchens.
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 your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry and season with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden-brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes, then shred or cube.
- Dice the tomatoes and combine them in a bowl with minced garlic and chopped basil.
- Add balsamic vinegar and remaining olive oil to the tomato mixture; season with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, and optionally cream cheese until smooth. Mix in ½ cup shredded mozzarella.
- Spread the chicken mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Add remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top and bake for another 10–15 minutes until golden.
- Spoon the bruschetta topping over the casserole, allow to rest for 5–10 minutes, and garnish with parsley.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
Serve with a green salad or whole-grain pasta for a complete meal. For extra flavor, drizzle balsamic glaze before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: bruschetta, casserole, weeknight meal, chicken, Mediterranean