In Italy, calling something bruschetta without bread might raise a few eyebrows—but trust me, this Bruschetta Chicken Skillet is so good, even the most traditional Italians would approve! Juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts take the place of the bread, topped with a fresh mix of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and melty mozzarella.
This dish is so simple that you don’t even need step-by-step photos—just cook the chicken, add the cheese, and pile on that fresh bruschetta topping. It’s a quick, easy chicken recipe that brings all the flavors of classic bruschetta to your dinner table, without the fuss. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy dinner recipe or a gluten-free meal. Let’s get cooking! 🍽️
Bruschetta Chicken with Melty Mozzarella
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Lid for skillet
Ingredients
- 1 cup Roma tomatoes finely diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 small shallot minced
- 3 fresh basil leaves finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Make the Bruschetta: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, minced shallot, chopped basil, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and half of the salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.1 cup Roma tomatoes, 1 clove garlic, 1 small shallot, 3 fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.2 large boneless
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Melt the Cheese: Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn off the heat. Let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes.4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the prepared bruschetta mixture over each piece of chicken. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.¼ cup balsamic glaze
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy this dish with crusty bread, pasta, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Bruschetta Chicken Secrets: Tips, Tricks & Tasty Swaps from Someone Who’s Made It a Hundred Times!
I’ve made this Bruschetta Chicken Skillet so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep (though I wouldn’t recommend that—hot skillet and all). Over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks to make it even better, plus some easy swaps in case you’re out of an ingredient or just want to mix things up. Here’s everything you need to know to make this dish even more amazing!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Bruschetta Chicken
🔥 Get that golden sear!
If you want beautifully browned chicken, don’t touch it for the first 3–4 minutes while it cooks. Let it do its thing, then flip!
🧄 Garlic lovers, go wild!
One clove is the standard, but if you’re the type who thinks there’s no such thing as too much garlic, add another. No one’s stopping you (except maybe your breath later).
🧀 More cheese = better life.
Mozzarella is classic, but if you want a little more flavor, try provolone, Monterey Jack, or even feta for a tangy twist.
🍅 Tomato tips!
Roma tomatoes work best because they’re firm and less watery, but if you’ve got cherry tomatoes hanging around, just chop them up—they’re extra sweet and juicy!
🌿 Fresh basil is a must.
Dried basil won’t cut it here. If you don’t have fresh, go for fresh parsley or even a little arugula for a peppery kick.
🍷 Deglaze that pan!
After cooking the chicken, splash in a little balsamic vinegar or white wine to lift all those flavorful bits off the pan. You’ll thank me later.
🥖 Don’t ditch the bread completely!
I know, we’re swapping the bread for chicken, but having a slice of crusty bread to soak up those pan juices? Chef’s kiss!
Easy Ingredient Swaps (Because Who Always Has Everything on Hand?)
👉 No shallots? Use red onion or a little green onion for a milder flavor.
👉 Out of balsamic glaze? Mix balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey and simmer it down until thick. Boom—homemade glaze!
👉 No fresh tomatoes? Canned diced tomatoes (drained) will work in a pinch.
👉 Want a smoky twist? Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it for extra flavor.
👉 Going low-fat? Swap mozzarella for part-skim or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
So there you have it! Whether you stick to the classic or make it your own, this Easy Bruschetta Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit. Now go forth and cook like a pro! 🍽️✨
