This tasty grilled bruschetta chicken is perfect for a quick dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with a fresh mix of tomatoes, basil, and a hint of garlic. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they cook quickly. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets work well too!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and moisture. If you’re out, you can use canola or avocado oil instead, both have high smoke points for grilling.
Italian Seasoning: This blend brings a wonderful herby flavor. If you don’t have it, mix oregano, basil, and thyme for a quick substitute.
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes are key for bruschetta. If it’s not tomato season, try using canned diced tomatoes but drain them well. Cherry tomatoes are also a tasty alternative!
Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. If fresh isn’t available, dried basil can be used, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon since it’s more concentrated.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken might seem tricky, but with a few easy steps, you’ll have juicy results every time!
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill is hot! Preheating helps achieve those lovely grill marks.
- Oil the Grill: To prevent sticking, lightly oil the grill grates before placing the chicken.
- Timing is Key: Grill for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: After grilling, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juices, making your chicken moist.
How to Make 30-Minute Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Bruschetta Topping:
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Optional Garnish:
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 20 minutes to grill, making a total of 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your chicken will sear nicely and cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add wonderful flavor to your chicken. Brush this mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast, making sure they are well-coated.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
4. Make the Bruschetta Topping:
While the chicken is grilling, grab a medium bowl and combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, and balsamic vinegar. Gently mix everything together to combine the flavors.
5. Assemble the Dish:
Once the chicken is cooked fully, remove it from the grill. Top each grilled chicken breast with a generous amount of the bruschetta mixture. This will give it a fresh and vibrant touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the top for added flavor and a beautiful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, but you may need to adjust the grilling time since thighs typically take a little longer to cook. Just ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh. Alternatively, fresh parsley or oregano can offer a delicious twist!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and bruschetta topping in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken can last for up to 4 days, while the topping is best consumed within 2 days for freshness. Reheat the chicken in the microwave and spoon the topping fresh on top before serving.
Can I Make the Bruschetta Topping Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bruschetta mixture a few hours in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
