Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake Recipe

Name: Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice; 0.5 cup water; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 (6 ounce) box chicken-flavored dry bread stuffing mix; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cubed
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
cup water
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 (6 ounce) box chicken-flavored dry bread stuffing mix
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, or to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, water, garlic, and the stuffing mix. Stir everything together and set it aside for a few minutes to allow the stuffing to soften.

Step 3: In another large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with salt. Then, spread the seasoned chicken evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning over the chicken.

Step 5: Evenly spread the softened stuffing mixture over the top of the chicken and cheese.

Step 6: Bake the casserole, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the top is golden brown.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

Calories: 349
Total Fat: 9g (11% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 4g (22% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 90mg (30% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1257mg (55% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 26g (9% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 5g
Protein: 39g (78% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
Calcium: 373mg (29% Daily Value)
Iron: 4mg (22% Daily Value)
Potassium: 497mg (11% Daily Value)

Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake Recipe

This delicious recipe for Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake brings the taste of Italy to your table with minimal effort. Combining tender chicken, zesty diced tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish offers the comfort of a casserole with the vibrant flavors of a traditional Italian bruschetta. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is a crowd-pleaser thats both easy to make and flavorful.

History and Origin of Bruschetta

Bruschetta, a dish rooted in Italian culinary tradition, dates back to ancient Rome, when olive oil was used to preserve bread. The modern version of bruschetta became popular in the 15th century in Tuscany, where locals would toast stale bread, rub it with garlic, and drizzle it with freshly pressed olive oil. Over the centuries, the dish evolved to include a variety of toppings such as tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar, making it a staple appetizer in Italian cuisine.

Regional Variations

Though bruschetta is widely associated with Italy, different regions have their own takes on this dish. In Rome, bruschetta is often served simply with garlic and olive oil, while in Naples, the addition of tomatoes and basil is common. The Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake is an American twist on this classic, combining the essence of bruschetta with hearty chicken and stuffing, making it more of a complete meal than a starter.

How This Differs from Similar Dishes

While the concept of topping bread with tomatoes and cheese is common in many Italian and Mediterranean dishes, this bake is distinct because of its use of chicken and stuffing as the base. Unlike traditional bruschetta, which is served cold as an appetizer, this dish is baked, giving it a warm, comforting casserole feel. The combination of flavors is more substantial, making it a perfect dinner option compared to the lighter, bite-sized appetizer traditionally seen in Italian cuisine.

Where It Is Typically Served

The Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in various settings. Its ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even potlucks due to its ease of preparation and its crowd-pleasing nature. This dish can be served with a side salad, garlic bread, or even a light vegetable medley to balance the richness of the casserole. Its also a great option for meal prepping, as leftovers are just as delicious when reheated.

Interesting Facts

The word "bruschetta" comes from the Italian verb "bruscare," meaning "to roast over coals." This reflects the traditional method of toasting bread over an open flame.
Tomatoes, a key ingredient in modern bruschetta, were brought to Italy from the Americas in the 16th century. Initially thought to be poisonous, they eventually became a beloved part of Italian cuisine.
While this chicken bake is a comforting American version of bruschetta, the original Italian recipe uses a variety of toppings, including beans, cured meats, and even mushrooms, depending on the region.

FAQ about Quick Bruschetta Chicken Bake Recipe

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it's starting cold.

Yes, you can freeze the leftover casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until heated through.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation, which can make the stuffing soggy.

To prevent the stuffing from being too dry or too soggy, ensure that the stuffing mixture is well-moistened with the tomato and water mixture but not soaked to the point of mushiness. If the stuffing looks too dry, add a little more liquid before baking. If it’s too soggy, try draining some excess liquid after baking for the perfect texture.

Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can use other cheeses like Swiss, Parmesan, or cheddar. Some people even like to mix several types of cheese for a richer flavor.

Yes, you can swap out the chicken-flavored dry bread stuffing mix for other varieties, like cornbread stuffing or a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that this may change the flavor slightly, but it will still work well in the recipe.

Yes, to make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free stuffing mix. Additionally, make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, including any seasoning mixes or canned products.

Instead of water, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a richer flavor. If you want to add a little more depth, a splash of balsamic vinegar or white wine can also enhance the taste.

Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Layer the ingredients as instructed, then cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and the stuffing has absorbed the liquid. Be sure to check the liquid level periodically and add more if needed.

To avoid the casserole being too salty, be cautious with the salt and the seasoning. The chicken-flavored stuffing mix can be quite salty, so consider using a low-sodium variety or reducing the amount of salt added to the chicken. You can also use a homemade or low-sodium chicken broth instead of water.

Comments

Gregory Anderson

08/30/2023 02:21:12 PM

Rewritten review: Initially rated 4 stars, but after making some tweaks, I would now give it 5 stars. I substituted regular diced tomatoes with Italian diced tomatoes and incorporated 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar along with a hint of red pepper flakes into them before adding the stuffing. I skipped the salt, and instead, I coated the chicken with a mix of 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and garlic powder. I also switched up the cheeses to include a blend of mozzarella, swiss, and parmesan. These alterations elevated the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. Even the leftovers were a hit!

Carol Garcia

02/01/2023 09:38:12 PM

Review rewritten: The dish turned out too watery. Next time, I will skip adding the water altogether. Alternatively, I might layer the stove with water and cheese, place the tomatoes on the chicken, and then add the stove top.

James Parker

10/28/2022 07:44:29 PM

I have made this recipe a few times now, and while it was good, I found that it ended up too watery/soupy when I followed the original directions. So, after the first attempt, I made some modifications to better suit my family's taste. I combined 4 diced chicken breasts with a can of diced tomatoes (with garlic and olive oil), added extra minced garlic, salt, and pepper. I then baked this mixture in a 3-quart casserole dish for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, I prepared the stuffing separately. After the initial baking, I removed excess liquid from the dish, sprinkled some dried basil, added a layer of mozzarella cheese, and topped it off with the stuffing. I baked the casserole for an additional 10 minutes. This adjusted version was a hit with my family of 4 as it wasn't watery but still moist.

George Edwards

04/02/2025 05:40:46 PM

I usually don't like to make changes, but when I realized I hadn't planned anything for Sunday lunch, I had to improvise. I found this recipe and had to modify it a bit because I had frozen chicken strips and no time to thaw them. Instead of using raw chicken, I used 2 large cans of chicken from SAMs Club. I substituted 1 cup of water for chicken stock and omitted the salt completely. I made my own breadcrumbs and added 2 tablespoons of chicken seasoning and 1 tablespoon of onion powder for extra flavor. To make it even more delicious, I added 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of Monterey cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Short on time, I cooked it all in a pressure cooker for 15 minutes, stirred, and cooked for an additional 10 minutes. The result was delicious and not watery at all! Next time, I'll add one more can of seasoned chopped tomatoes for extra flavor.

Sarah Ramirez

08/26/2023 03:12:13 AM

This dish was incredibly delicious! I will definitely be making it again.

James Ramirez

08/19/2023 10:27:08 AM

This dish was incredibly simple to make and so tasty. I will absolutely be preparing it again. Thank you!

Diane Walker

11/30/2022 12:44:12 AM

I prepared this dish for a gathering, and almost everyone requested the recipe!

audio version

Cook Time: 10 minutes