Grilled Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
Grilled chicken breasts that are
packed with a freshly made tomato-and-basil bruschetta, something you can
prepare in just 10 minutes—imagine summer served on a plate. The chicken is
marinated in garlic, olive oil, and lemon before being grilled until it has
that lovely char and remains tender inside, after which it is filled with diced
tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic glaze, and a bit of garlic. Each
mouthful offers you smoky chicken combined with the bright, sweet bruschetta.
It has a sophisticated taste and
only takes under 40 minutes from start to finish; there is no need for a heavy
sauce or bread, so it's light yet still resembles comfort food. It's ideal for
weeknight meals when you want something healthy that doesn't come across as
'diet food' and is impressive enough to serve to guests on the patio. The
colours alone give it a restaurant-quality appearance.
Why I love this recipe
I enjoy this recipe since it is
the simplest method of making chicken seem special without putting in a great
deal of effort; I first tried it when I had some leftover bruschetta topping
from an appetizer and grilled chicken was on the menu, and all I did was mix
the two together, which immediately became a favourite.
The reason I keep making this
recipe is that it's so fresh. Since the tomatoes are unripe, they remain bright
and juicy when served with the warm chicken. The balsamic glaze gives it a
sweet and tangy ending which makes it seem as if you've been cooking for hours.
It's also naturally free from gluten, high in protein, and suitable for meal
prepping. You can marinate the chicken in the morning, grill it in the evening,
and then have dinner ready in just 15 minutes. My family asks for it all summer
and carries on asking into the fall since the dish feels light yet at the same
time satisfying. Furthermore, the cleaning up afterwards only requires one bowl
and one grill pan.
Prep time: 15 minutes +
15 min marinade
Cooking time: 12-15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4
Difficulty
level: Easy
Ingredients
For the chicken:
·
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 6 oz
each
·
3 tbsp olive oil
·
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
·
3 garlic cloves, minced
·
1 tsp dried oregano
·
1 tsp salt
·
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the bruschetta topping:
·
3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
·
4 oz fresh mozzarella, diced small
·
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
·
2 garlic cloves, minced
·
1 tbsp olive oil
·
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
·
1/2 tsp salt
·
1/4 tsp black pepper
·
2 tbsp balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Tools
o
Grill or grill pan
o
Mixing bowls
o
Tongs
o
Sharp knife and cutting board
o
Small spoon
Step-by-Step
Instructions
Step 1.
To marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a bowl and mix
in the olive oil, lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, oregano, salt, and
pepper. Give it a good turn so that the chicken is well coated, and then leave
it for 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator;
this will keep the chicken juicy.
Step 2.
Prepare the bruschetta topping: While the chicken is
marinating, dice the tomatoes and the mozzarella. Place them in a bowl together
with the basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Gently
stir them. Taste it and make any necessary adjustments to the salt. Then leave
it to allow the flavours to blend.
Step 3.
Preheat the grill: Bring the grill or grill pan up to a
medium-high temperature, approximately 400°F (205°C), and give the grates a
light coating of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Step 4.
Grill the chicken by placing it on the hot grill and cooking
it for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Leave it alone so that good grill marks
appear. The chicken is considered done when its internal temperature reaches
165°F (74°C) and it should be firm yet springy.
Step 5.
Rest: Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5
minutes; this will keep the juices within it.
Step 6.
To assemble, spread a generous amount of the bruschetta
topping over each chicken breast and then drizzle it with balsamic glaze; the
heat from the chicken will cause the mozzarella to soften slightly.
Step 7.
Serve right away: eat the dish while it's still warm so that
the contrast between the hot chicken and the cool topping is ideal.
Approximate Macros per serving
v
Calories: 380 kcal
v
Carbohydrates: 8 g
v
Protein: 38 g
v
Fat: 20 g
v
Fiber: 2 g
v
Sugar: 5 g
v
Sodium: 780 mg
It depends on the quantity of the cheese and the amount of
the oil.
What to serve with this
It goes very well with garlic bread for picking up the extra
topping. If you're following a low-carb diet, you can serve it over zucchini
noodles or a large green salad. It's excellent when served with roasted
potatoes, grilled asparagus, or couscous. Serve it with a glass of a crisp
white wine such as Pinot Grigio, and the leftovers can be used to make wraps in
pita.
Tips and Variations
o
Oven option: Broil chicken for 6 minutes on each
side if you don’t have a grill.
o
For the Caprese style, place sliced avocado
underneath the topping.
o
Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy flavour
to the bruschetta.
o
For an extra cheesy flavour, sprinkle on 2
tablespoons of shredded Parmesan just before serving.
o
When preparing meals, store the chicken and the
toppings separately and then combine them when you're reheating.
Substitutes Note
o
No fresh mozzarella. Use feta or leave out the
cheese.
o
Without using Balsamic glaze, simmer 1/4 cup of
balsamic vinegar until the vinegar has been reduced by half.
o
For chicken thighs, use those that are boneless
and cook them for 7 to 8 minutes on each side.
o
If you want to make it dairy-free, then leave
out the mozzarella and include pine nuts to provide texture.
o
There is no fresh basil available, so use 1 tsp
of dried basil, but add it to the marinade.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. May I use cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can. Cut them in half, and they will be sweeter and
will hold up well.
2. What can I do to prevent chicken from drying out?
You shouldn't omit the marinating and must not overcook it.
Use a thermometer and remove it when it has reached 165°F.
3. Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
You can marinate the chicken and make the topping up to 24
hours in advance, but you should grill it and put it together fresh.
4. Is cold serving acceptable?
Yes, it is delicious when served as a chicken salad over
greens.
5. What if my tomatoes aren’t ripe?
If your tomatoes aren't ripe then add half a teaspoon of
sugar to the topping to enhance the flavour.
6. Can you bake it?
Yes, do so at 425°F for 18 to 20 minutes and then broil it
for 2 minutes to give it color. Add the topping afterwards.
It's bright, juicy, and very easy to make—this Grilled Bruschetta Chicken has the flavour of summer and gets ready quicker than having it delivered
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