Pesto Bruschetta Chicken

Name: Pesto Bruschetta Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 5 Boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 Tbsp. Olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; ⅓ C. Pesto sauce; 5 Slices of mozzarella cheese; 1 C. Cherry tomatoes halved; ¼ Red onion sliced thinly; 2 tsp. Champagne or white wine vinegar; 2 tsp. Lemon juice; 2 tsp. Olive oil; 2 tsp. Minced garlic; Fresh chopped basil for garnish

This Pesto Bruschetta Chicken recipe is the perfect combination of simple and delicious. With fresh ingredients like basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, this recipe is bursting with flavor.

Pesto Bruschetta Chicken on plate with garnish

But what makes it truly special is the addition of pesto sauce, which adds a rich depth of flavor to every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or want to impress your guests at a dinner party, this Pesto Bruschetta Chicken is sure to be a hit for the whole family.

Ingredients

Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.

chicken, tomatoes, onion, oil, lemon juice, pesto, viniger, garlic, basil

Boneless skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt and Black pepper to taste
Pesto sauce
mozzarella cheese
Cherry tomatoes halved
Red onion sliced thinly
Champagne or white wine vinegar
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Fresh chopped sweet basil for garnish

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.

Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill. While that is heating up, drizzle the chicken with 1 tbsp of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Grill until you reach the internal temperature of the chicken of 165 degrees

Turn the oven on to broil and Place the chicken into a baking dish, and top with the slice of mozzarella cheese.

Broil the chicken just until the cheese melts.

Top the chicken with the pesto, sliced cherry tomatoes and red onion.

In a bowl, whisk together the 2 tsp olive oil, lemon juice, champagne vinegar and minced garlic.

Drizzle the mixture, tomatoes & onions over the top of the chicken, and garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Grill – Instead of grilling the chicken, you can also bake it in the oven at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes or until cooked through. If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a stovetop grill pan can also be used to achieve those delicious grill marks on the chicken.
Vegetarian option- you can substitute the chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms and follow the same cooking instructions.
Pesto – Don’t have any store-bought pesto on hand? You can make your own homemade basil pesto even just some extra olive oil and herbs to add flavor to the dish.
Vegatable Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables to accompany the chicken. Some great options include zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes.
Cheese – Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese for this dish – feta or goat cheese would add a tangy twist while mozzarella or provolone would provide a more classic flavor. You can even top this dish off with some parmesan cheese.
Additional Spices – boost the flavor with some garlic powder or even some Italian seasoning!

Equipment

Indoor/Outdoor Grill
Baking dish
Small bowl

Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days

Freezing: You can store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months

Reheat : To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Pro Tips

To get a nice char on the chicken, try using a cast iron skillet or grilling on high heat.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to elevate the dish even more. Simply sprinkle over the top before serving.
Add a sprinkle of Balsamic Glaze or balsamic vinegar to take this over the top.

FAQ

What is pesto?

Pesto is a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan cheese. It originated in Italy and is commonly used as a topping for pasta or in dishes like this chicken caprese

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken before cooking?

No, marinating the chicken is not necessary for this recipe. However, if you have time and want to infuse more flavor into the chicken, you can marinate it with some olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried herbs in place of fresh herbs

Recipe Card