There’s something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with the scent of garlic, basil, and roasted tomatoes. This Pesto Bruschetta Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal you make on a quiet evening, maybe when the weather starts to cool down, and you’re craving something hearty yet fresh.
Bruschetta traditionally brings to mind warm slices of toasted bread topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a staple in Italian kitchens and on summer patio tables. But what if we took all those fresh, zesty flavors and paired them with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts? Now you’ve got a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also surprisingly easy to pull off any night of the week.
This recipe has become a go-to in our household, especially when we want something that feels a little fancy without much effort. The combination of garlicky pesto, melty cheese, and the brightness of the tomato topping is nothing short of addictive. It’s beautiful on the plate and even better on your fork.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Fresh & flavorful: Between the herby pesto and juicy bruschetta topping, every bite is bursting with bold flavors.
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Simple but elegant: Looks like a restaurant dish, but is totally beginner-friendly.
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Great for weeknights or guests: Comes together quickly, but feels special enough for entertaining.
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Low-carb & protein-packed: A wholesome, satisfying dish that doesn’t weigh you down.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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4 tablespoons pesto
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4 slices mozzarella cheese
For the Bruschetta Topping:
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
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¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
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2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
HOW TO MAKE PESTO BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and keeps the chicken from sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts on the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning in a bit with your hands to make sure the chicken is well-coated.
Step 3: Add the Pesto
Spread about a tablespoon of pesto over each chicken breast. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out so that the pesto covers the top evenly. This layer will keep the chicken juicy while adding that rich, herby flavor we all love.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Next, lay a slice of mozzarella cheese over each pesto-covered chicken breast. As it bakes, the cheese will melt into a gooey, golden layer—absolutely delicious.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). The cheese should be melted and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Make the Bruschetta Topping
While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up that bright, flavorful topping. In a bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic glaze, and chopped fresh basil. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes—it gives the flavors time to mingle and deepen.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before topping each breast with a generous spoonful of your fresh bruschetta mix. Serve it as-is or with a side of roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or even over a bed of couscous or quinoa if you want something more filling.
HELPFUL TIPS:
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Use thin chicken breasts for faster, more even cooking. You can slice thicker breasts in half or pound them out to even thickness.
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Homemade or store-bought pesto both work here—go with what you have on hand!
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Let the bruschetta topping sit while the chicken bakes. This helps develop more flavor.
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Don’t skip the rest time! Giving the chicken a few minutes to rest helps lock in juices before serving.
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Want extra golden cheese? Broil the chicken for the last 1–2 minutes to brown the cheese a bit more.
DETAILS:
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 25 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Category: Dinner
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Method: Baked
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Cuisine: Italian-inspired
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Diet: Gluten-free, Low-carb
NOTES:
This dish is super versatile—feel free to switch up the cheese (provolone or fontina are great alternatives) or add extra veggies on the side. The tomato topping is also amazing over grilled veggies or as a dip with crusty bread, if you’re serving guests.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (estimated per serving)
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Calories: 320
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 6g
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Fat: 17g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 3g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken with pesto and cheese earlier in the day, then cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve. The bruschetta topping can be made a few hours in advance too.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Just adjust the cooking time—thighs may take a bit longer depending on thickness.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken without the bruschetta topping. Reheat and top with fresh tomato mixture just before serving.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. The bruschetta topping is best stored separately and added fresh when serving leftovers.
Related Recipes
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CONCLUSION
Pesto Bruschetta Chicken is one of those feel-good meals that checks all the boxes: quick, wholesome, packed with flavor, and downright beautiful on the plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family or treating yourself to a fancy-feeling weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat.
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Pesto Bruschetta Chicken
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a home-cooked meal that fills your kitchen with the scent of garlic, basil, and roasted tomatoes. This Pesto Bruschetta Chicken is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of meal you make on a quiet evening, maybe when the weather starts to cool down, and you’re craving something hearty yet fresh.
Bruschetta traditionally brings to mind warm slices of toasted bread topped with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a staple in Italian kitchens and on summer patio tables. But what if we took all those fresh, zesty flavors and paired them with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts? Now you’ve got a dish that’s not only packed with flavor but also surprisingly easy to pull off any night of the week.
This recipe has become a go-to in our household, especially when we want something that feels a little fancy without much effort. The combination of garlicky pesto, melty cheese, and the brightness of the tomato topping is nothing short of addictive. It’s beautiful on the plate and even better on your fork.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons pesto
4 slices mozzarella cheese
For the Bruschetta Topping:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and keeps the chicken from sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts on the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning in a bit with your hands to make sure the chicken is well-coated.
Step 3: Add the Pesto
Spread about a tablespoon of pesto over each chicken breast. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out so that the pesto covers the top evenly. This layer will keep the chicken juicy while adding that rich, herby flavor we all love.
Step 4: Top with Cheese
Next, lay a slice of mozzarella cheese over each pesto-covered chicken breast. As it bakes, the cheese will melt into a gooey, golden layer—absolutely delicious.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). The cheese should be melted and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Make the Bruschetta Topping
While the chicken is baking, it’s time to whip up that bright, flavorful topping. In a bowl, combine the diced cherry tomatoes, red onion, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic glaze, and chopped fresh basil. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Let this sit for at least 10 minutes—it gives the flavors time to mingle and deepen.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before topping each breast with a generous spoonful of your fresh bruschetta mix. Serve it as-is or with a side of roasted veggies, a crisp salad, or even over a bed of couscous or quinoa if you want something more filling.
Notes
This dish is super versatile—feel free to switch up the cheese (provolone or fontina are great alternatives) or add extra veggies on the side. The tomato topping is also amazing over grilled veggies or as a dip with crusty bread, if you’re serving guests.