Name: 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 6-oz boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground pepper; 1-2 tablespoon olive oil; 3-4 medium ripe tomatoes (about 1 lb), cored, seeded, and chopped to a ½” dice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoon thinly sliced basil leaves; Ground pepper to taste; Balsamic glaze to taste, optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 14 reviews

If you’re looking for a meal that is equal parts fresh, flavorful, and stunningly simple, you need to make this 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked). Fragrant Italian-seasoned chicken breasts become the perfect base for a jumble of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a tangy balsamic drizzle—all in just half an hour! Whether grilled outdoors or popped into the oven, it’s a celebration of summer’s best, wonderfully healthy, and weeknight-friendly without dropping an ounce of sophistication or taste.

30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked) is all in the essentials—each ingredient is chosen for freshness, vibrant color, and unmistakable Mediterranean flavor. Take a peek at each one, and see how you can turn simple staples into something extraordinary.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded to even thickness for irresistibly juicy results.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of dried herbs that infuse the chicken with classic Italian aroma and taste.
Kosher Salt: Adds balance and boosts the flavors in both chicken and bruschetta topping.
Onion Powder: Provides a subtle sweetness that rounds out the seasoning blend.
Garlic Powder: Delivers savory depth right into the chicken.
Ground Pepper: Brings gentle heat and a peppery backbone to every bite.
Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps herbs cling, plus it enriches the bruschetta topping.
Ripe Tomatoes: Chopped into juicy cubes—the heart of the bruschetta; choose the ripest for maximum flavor.
Fresh Garlic: Gives the tomato topping sharp, punchy flavor reminiscent of classic bruschetta.
Balsamic Vinegar: Lends tang and a gentle sweetness to the tomato mixture.
Fresh Basil: Sliced into ribbons for color and an unmistakable summery aroma.
Balsamic Glaze (optional): A rich, syrupy finish for that “wow” factor on top—totally optional but highly recommended.

How to Make 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked)

Step 1: Start the Bruschetta

Begin by mixing your chopped tomatoes with kosher salt and minced garlic in a bowl. Letting this mixture sit while you prepare the chicken draws out the natural juices and infuses the tomatoes with loads of flavor, giving you that classic bruschetta zing!

Step 2: Prepare and Pound the Chicken

Lay your chicken breast on a piece of parchment, fold the paper over, and gently pound until it’s even and just under an inch thick. This trick ensures every piece cooks quickly and evenly—no dry edges, just super-tender chicken throughout.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Whisk together Italian seasoning, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Brush your chicken with olive oil on both sides, sprinkle with the seasoning blend, and get ready for maximum flavor in every single bite.

Step 4: Cook—Grilled or Baked!

For grilling: Preheat your grill or grill pan to high. Sear the chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until a thermometer reads 165°F. For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with parchment, and roast chicken for 10–12 minutes. Either way, let your chicken rest five minutes after cooking for juicier results.

Step 5: Finish the Bruschetta Topping

Add extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and pepper to your tomato-garlic mixture. Toss gently and adjust with a pinch more salt, pepper, or vinegar until the flavors are lively and just to your liking.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Spoon the juicy bruschetta mixture over each warm chicken breast, then give a flourish of balsamic glaze if you like. Serve immediately, and get ready for a chorus of “Wow!” at your table.

How to Serve 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked)

Garnishes

Scatter extra basil ribbons over the top for a burst of green and a fresh hit of flavor. A delicate swirl of balsamic glaze adds beautiful contrast and a hint of tangy sweetness, making each plate as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Think roasted or grilled vegetables, fluffy couscous, garlic bread, or even a crisp green salad. The vibrant tomato and basil topping complements sauteed zucchini, farro, or lemony orzo perfectly for a well-rounded, Italian-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing chicken and layering it over toasted baguette slices for a party platter. Or serve atop a bed of arugula and quinoa for a colorful, healthy grain bowl. However you plate it, 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked) easily transforms from family favorite to impressive dinner party entrée.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and the bruschetta topping separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will stay juicy, and the bruschetta keeps its fresh flavor for up to two days—though it’s hard to resist eating it all in one sitting!

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts (without the tomato topping) for up to two months. Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags, label, and defrost overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to revisit this dish.

Reheating

Gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over low-medium heat or in the microwave, just until warmed through. Top with fresh bruschetta just before serving for the best texture and flavor—nothing beats that just-made freshness!

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes are super sweet and juicy; just halve or quarter them and they’ll give the bruschetta topping a delightful pop.

What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?

No worries at all—you can bake the chicken as directed, or even use a stovetop skillet. You’ll still get gorgeous results with either method.

Can I use dried basil if I don’t have fresh?

Fresh basil is ideal for both flavor and color, but if you must, use a very small amount of dried—about 1/2 teaspoon—since it’s much more potent. Add just before serving rather than into the hot chicken.

How do I make a balsamic glaze at home?

Simply simmer 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s reduced by half and thickened, about 10 minutes. Drizzle over your 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked) for next-level flavor!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked) is naturally gluten-free—just make sure any optional sides you serve are as well if needed.

Final Thoughts

You’ll be amazed how quickly this 30-Minute Bruschetta Chicken (Grilled or Baked) comes together and how deeply satisfying each bite is. If you love sharing vibrant, no-fuss meals that taste like summer, make this once and it will become a fast favorite on your table. Happy cooking!