Cheesy Chicken Bruschetta Bread Boats Recipe
Cheesy Chicken Bruschetta Bread Boats combine fresh, flavorful bruschetta with tender sautéed chicken and melted mozzarella on toasted Italian bread. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer, delivering vibrant tomato basil topping paired with savory chicken and gooey cheese in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Bruschetta Topping
- 4 roma tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup packed basil leaves, chiffonade (finely cut)
- ¼ cup balsamic reduction or high quality aged balsamic vinegar, divided
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Bread and Cheese
- 2 small Italian or French bread loaves, halved lengthwise
- 1 clove garlic, halved
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the bruschetta mixture: In a bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, chiffonade basil, 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste and let it marinate at room temperature while preparing the other ingredients.
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them in a single layer to the skillet. Cook until browned on one side, then flip and cook a few more minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from heat, place in a bowl or plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.
- Toast the bread: Preheat the broiler. Lightly brush the cut sides of the bread loaves with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the bread oil side up on a baking sheet and broil on the middle rack for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until they just start to turn brown. Immediately rub the toasted sides with the halved garlic clove while still warm.
- Broil with cheese: Top the toasted bread slices with slices of fresh mozzarella. Return the bread to the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, until the cheese melts and starts to brown in spots.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the cooked chicken evenly over the cheesy bread, then top with the tomato basil bruschetta mixture. Drizzle additional balsamic reduction over the top if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use high-quality balsamic reduction or aged balsamic vinegar for the best flavor contrast with the fresh ingredients.
- Keep an eye on the bread and cheese under the broiler to prevent burning.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture.
- To save time, you can marinate the tomato mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated.
- This recipe works well with gluten-free bread to accommodate dietary restrictions.
