Bruschetta Chicken Bake

Bruschetta Chicken Bake Recipe - A Delicious Italian Dish

Region / culture: Europe, Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, and savory cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends and family.

History

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a modern twist on the classic Italian appetizer, bruschetta. Traditionally, bruschetta consists of grilled bread topped with a mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. This recipe takes those same flavors and combines them with chicken and cheese for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 can (14.5 oz (411 g)) of diced tomatoes, undrained or (2.75 cups of tomatoes)
1 package (6 oz (170 g)) of Stove Top stuffing mix for chicken
0.5 cup of water
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1.5 lb (680 g) of boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tsp of dried basil leaves
1 cup of Kraft shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Place the tomatoes in a medium bowl.
Add the stuffing mix, water, and garlic; stir just until the stuffing mix is moistened. Set it aside.
Place the chicken in a 13x9 inch baking dish; sprinkle it with the basil and cheese. Top it with the stuffing mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serve hot and plain.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a different flavor.
Add chopped fresh basil or parsley to the stuffing mixture for extra freshness.

Notes

Prepare as directed, omitting the garlic and using stove top stuffing mix Italian style with roasted garlic.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the chicken into bite-size pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the stuffing mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Bruschetta Chicken Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a more vibrant flavor.

- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the stuffing mixture and cut the chicken in advance to save time on busy nights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Bruschetta Chicken Bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Bruschetta Chicken Bake with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Bruschetta Chicken Bake contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Bruschetta Chicken Bake contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Bruschetta Chicken Bake contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Bruschetta Chicken Bake contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (stuffing mix), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Bruschetta Chicken Bake is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria who lived in the Italian countryside. Maria was a wonderful cook, and I always loved spending time in her kitchen, watching her work her magic with ingredients.

On that particular day, Maria invited me to help her prepare dinner for her family. As we chopped, stirred, and sautéed together, she shared stories of her own grandmother and the recipes that had been passed down through the generations. It was during that conversation that she mentioned a dish called Bruschetta Chicken Bake.

Maria explained that it was a simple yet delicious dish that combined the flavors of ripe tomatoes, garlic, basil, and chicken, all baked together until tender and juicy. She had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from her own mother, and so on. The dish had been a staple in their family for years, and Maria was eager to pass it on to me.

I was intrigued by the sound of the recipe and asked Maria if she would teach me how to make it. With a smile, she agreed, and we set to work.

First, we gathered the ingredients we would need: fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chicken breasts, and Parmesan cheese. As we chopped the tomatoes and minced the garlic, the kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of summer.

Next, we seasoned the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil before placing them in a baking dish. Maria showed me how to make the bruschetta topping by combining the tomatoes, garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. The mixture was so fragrant and colorful, I couldn't wait to taste it.

We spooned the bruschetta over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover them completely. Then, we sprinkled the dish with Parmesan cheese before popping it in the oven to bake.

As the aroma of the dish filled the kitchen, Maria and I sat down at the table to chat and enjoy a glass of wine. I listened intently as she shared stories of her family and the traditions that had been passed down through the years. It was a beautiful moment, and I felt grateful to be a part of it.

When the timer dinged, we eagerly pulled the Bruschetta Chicken Bake out of the oven. The cheese was golden and bubbly, and the tomatoes glistened with juices. Maria plated the dish and served it with a side of crusty bread and a simple salad.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavor and tradition. The chicken was tender and juicy, the bruschetta topping bursting with the flavors of summer. It was a dish that spoke of love and family, of memories shared and recipes passed down through the generations.

I thanked Maria for teaching me the recipe and promised to make it for my own family back home. As I left her house that evening, I carried with me not just a delicious new recipe, but a piece of her family's history and a connection to my own past.

And so, whenever I make Bruschetta Chicken Bake for my loved ones, I think of Maria and her grandmother, of the warm summer day when I first learned the recipe, and of the joy that comes from sharing a meal made with love and tradition.