Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a flavorful and healthy twist on the classic Italian appetizer. Juicy, marinated grilled chicken breasts are topped with a fresh tomato bruschetta mixture, bursting with the vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. It’s the perfect light summer dinner that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying and nutritious. It’s low in carbs, high in protein, and filled with fresh, bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and customizable to suit your taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Cherry or Roma tomatoes, diced
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Red onion, finely chopped (optional)
- Shredded mozzarella or shaved Parmesan (optional, for topping)
directions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken breasts in a resealable bag or dish and pour marinade over them. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- While the chicken marinates, mix diced tomatoes, fresh basil, red onion (if using), a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and salt in a bowl. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Spoon the fresh bruschetta mixture generously over each piece of chicken. Add shredded mozzarella or Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm, optionally with a side of grilled veggies, pasta, or salad.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Variations
- Add cheese: Top the chicken with mozzarella or provolone during the last minute on the grill for a melty finish.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or bruschetta mix for a little heat.
- Use thighs: Swap chicken breasts with boneless thighs for juicier results.
- Balsamic glaze finish: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the finished dish for extra flavor.
- Keto version: Skip the onion and cheese for an ultra-low-carb variation.
storage/reheating
Store leftover grilled bruschetta chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken and bruschetta topping separately. Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add the fresh topping just before serving.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the juices run clear.
Can I use pre-made bruschetta topping?
Yes, store-bought bruschetta can be used for convenience, though homemade provides fresher flavor.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, but avoid more than 12 hours as the acidity from the vinegar can start to break down the meat.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What can I serve with grilled bruschetta chicken?
Great side options include garlic bread, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or a light pasta.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the cheese topping.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Grill the chicken ahead of time and store the topping separately until ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs. Just be mindful of portion sizes and skip onions or cheese if needed.
Can I make this indoors?
If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or skillet on the stovetop or bake in the oven.
How long does the bruschetta topping last?
The topping can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days, but is best fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a light, flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm-weather dining or a healthy weeknight dinner. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with fresh ingredients, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just looking to spice up your chicken game, this recipe is a must-try.
PrintGrilled Bruschetta Chicken
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is a light and flavorful dish perfect for summer. Juicy grilled chicken breasts are topped with a fresh tomato and basil bruschetta mix, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and bursting with flavor
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
-
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Bruschetta Topping:
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste
To Finish:
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Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
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Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. -
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and let rest. -
Make the Bruschetta Topping:
In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Assemble and Serve:
Spoon the bruschetta mixture over grilled chicken. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
-
Use heirloom cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor.
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Can be served over a bed of greens, pasta, or zucchini noodles.
-
Make it dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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