Looking for a simple yet delicious dinner idea? Look no further than this smoked mozzarella bruschetta chicken recipe.
This dish combines tender chicken breast with the creamy richness of smoked mozzarella and the fresh flavors of bruschetta. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, all in one easy-to-make meal.
Not only is it satisfying, but it’s also a great way to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a whole lot of flavor in this simple summer skillet dinner.
Why you should make it
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes and simple cooking steps, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or any time you want a fuss-free but delicious meal.
- Balanced Flavors: The combination of juicy chicken, creamy smoked mozzarella, and fresh bruschetta provides a well-rounded taste experience. It’s a delightful mix of savory, smoky, and fresh flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether it’s a family dinner, a meal for two, or a larger gathering, this dish fits right in. It’s easy to adjust the recipe for the number of servings you need, and it pairs well with various sides like pasta, salad, or steamed veggies.
Ingredient notes
- Smoked Mozzarella: This is simply mozzarella cheese that has been smoked over wood chips for added flavor. It gives the dish a unique, smoky touch that regular mozzarella doesn’t offer. Having said that, I’ve made with plain mozzarella and it’s still delicious.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This is a dark, concentrated vinegar made from grape must. It adds a tangy sweetness to the bruschetta topping that complements the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Balsamic glaze works well too.
- Roma tomatoes. If you can’t find nice ones, cherry tomatoes are a great substitute. Just cut them into halves or quarters.
- Fresh basil. There’s nothing quite like it, but dried will do in a pinch/
The rest of the ingredients you probably have on hand!
tips for the best bruschetta chicken
Tomato Choice: Fresh, ripe tomatoes really make a difference in your bruschetta topping. If tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use cherry tomatoes or a good-quality canned variety. This tip is crucial for getting the most flavor out of your bruschetta.
Garlic and Basil: For the bruschetta, use freshly minced garlic and freshly chopped basil for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic and dried basil won’t give you the same vibrant taste.
Seasoning: Don’t forget to season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking. Proper seasoning is key to a flavorful dish.
Chicken Searing: When you’re searing the chicken, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken breasts. This helps to lock in the juices and gives the chicken a nice, golden-brown color.
To make sure your chicken is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F
Perfect sides for chicken breast:
- Crusty Sourdough Rolls
- Buttered Orzo Pasta
- Caesar Salad
Easy recipes for your garden fresh produce:
Full Recipe
Smoked Mozzarella Bruschetta Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices smoked mozzarella cheese
For the Bruschetta Topping
- 4 ripe roma tomatoes diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bruschetta Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed, then add the balsamic vinegar and stir once more. Set aside.
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Top the Chicken: Place a slice of smoked mozzarella on each chicken breast.. Cover and turn the heat down to low until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through. Spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly over the four chicken breasts
Notes
If smoked mozzarella is hard to find, you can substitute it with regular mozzarella and add a touch of liquid smoke for flavor.
