If you’re craving a comforting yet light Italian-inspired meal, this Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is the perfect dish to bring those flavors to life. It’s a warm, hearty dinner that feels like a twist on classic bruschetta, bringing together juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, melted cheeses, and crunchy garlic croutons. The aroma of basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar filling the kitchen will make your home feel like a cozy Italian trattoria, creating an inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing with family or friends.

This casserole combines everything we love about bruschetta – the fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic flavor – but takes it to the next level by baking it with tender chicken and gooey cheese for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of basil, garlic, balsamic, and tomatoes brings a zesty, aromatic quality to the dish.
Easy and Quick: With just a few easy steps and 10 minutes of prep, you’ll have a warm, delicious meal on the table in no time.
Family Favorite: This casserole is ideal for gatherings, as it’s packed with flavors and textures everyone will enjoy.
Versatile: Perfect as a standalone dish, but it also pairs well with pasta, a side salad, or even a glass of sparkling water with lemon.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

4 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups garlic croutons
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Chicken Bruschetta Casserole

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer the Chicken
Spread the cubed chicken breast evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Lightly season it with a dash of salt and pepper. Using cooked chicken here saves time and ensures a tender base for your casserole.
Prepare the Bruschetta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the drained diced tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. This mixture will become the flavorful “bruschetta” layer for the casserole.
Add the Bruschetta Mixture Over the Chicken
Spoon the tomato mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly to ensure each bite has a burst of bruschetta flavor.
Top with Cheese and Croutons
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the tomato layer. For extra crunch and a garlic-kissed topping, evenly distribute the garlic croutons over the cheese.
Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese is fully melted and golden. The croutons will turn crispy, adding an appealing crunch to each bite.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. For a bright pop of color and fresh taste, garnish with additional chopped basil before serving.

Helpful Tips

Customizable Spice: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat if you like things spicy.
Make It a Meal: Serve over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Crunch Factor: If you love extra crunch, add more croutons or even try a layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a touch of olive oil on top.

Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten-Free Option (use gluten-free croutons)

Notes:

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Simply cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian take on this dish.

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving (approximate values):

Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! Substitute with 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes and add an extra pinch of dried basil, garlic, and oregano for extra flavor.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! You can swap the mozzarella and Parmesan with your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this casserole dairy-free.

What can I use instead of croutons?
For a lighter option, you can use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping or gluten-free croutons if needed.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The fresh, zesty flavors are balanced with comforting, cheesy goodness, creating a dish that’s easy to love and simple to make. So, preheat that oven and get ready to treat yourself to an Italian-inspired feast that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious! Enjoy your cooking adventure and share it with loved ones for a memorable, satisfying meal.

Tasty Chicken Bruschetta Casserole

Author: Martha

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups garlic croutons
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tbsp dried basil)
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Layer the Chicken
Spread the cubed chicken breast evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Lightly season it with a dash of salt and pepper. Using cooked chicken here saves time and ensures a tender base for your casserole.
Prepare the Bruschetta Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the drained diced tomatoes, chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting to taste. This mixture will become the flavorful “bruschetta” layer for the casserole.
Add the Bruschetta Mixture Over the Chicken
Spoon the tomato mixture over the chicken, spreading it evenly to ensure each bite has a burst of bruschetta flavor.
Top with Cheese and Croutons
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the tomato layer. For extra crunch and a garlic-kissed topping, evenly distribute the garlic croutons over the cheese.
Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese is fully melted and golden. The croutons will turn crispy, adding an appealing crunch to each bite.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. For a bright pop of color and fresh taste, garnish with additional chopped basil before serving

Notes

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm in the oven for about 15 minutes.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole before baking. Simply cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian take on this dish.