This bruschetta chicken casserole turns the bright, fresh flavors of classic bruschetta into a warm, comforting one-dish meal. Juicy shredded chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, tangy balsamic and gooey mozzarella come together with tender pasta for a dish that smells amazing and looks colorful on the plate. It’s easy to make, spoonful-ready comfort with crisp tomato bursts and melty cheese on top.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 345 kcal
- Protein: 31 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole
This casserole gives you bruschetta flavor without the extra steps of toasting bread. It’s bright from fresh tomatoes and basil, tangy from balsamic, and comforting from melted mozzarella. It’s fast to pull together, makes a great family dinner, and reheats beautifully for lunches. The mix of textures — juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and creamy melted cheese — keeps every bite interesting.
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken Casserole
You’ll assemble bright, fresh ingredients with cooked pasta and chicken, then bake until the cheese melts and the flavors blend. The process is quick and forgiving, so it’s ideal for weeknights or casual guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. Dice the cherry tomatoes and chop the basil if you haven’t already. Make sure the chicken and pasta are cooked and drained.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella (reserve a small handful for topping if you like extra browning), chopped basil, cooked pasta, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.
Step 3: Baking
Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella over the top if you set any aside. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden at the edges.
Step 4: Finishing
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Add a few fresh basil leaves on top for color and aroma. Serve warm.
How to Serve Bruschetta Chicken Casserole
Serve straight from the dish for a cozy family meal. Pair with a simple green salad and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. This casserole also works well with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a heartier spread. For a lighter plate, serve over a bed of baby greens or skip the pasta and spoon it over zucchini noodles.
How to Store Bruschetta Chicken Casserole
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat single portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or until hot. For a larger portion, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, covered, until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Bruschetta Chicken Casserole
- Use room-temperature ingredients so the cheese melts evenly.
- Drain tomatoes if they are very juicy to avoid a watery casserole.
- Reserve a little cheese for the top so the surface browns nicely.
- If using store-bought rotisserie chicken, shred it and remove excess skin for a leaner dish.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper before baking — cheeses and prepared chicken can add sodium.
- Use high-quality balsamic or reduce it slightly on the stove for a thicker glaze if you prefer a concentrated tang.
Delicious Variations
- Caprese Style: Add slices of fresh mozzarella and drizzle extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Italian Sausage Twist: Replace half the chicken with cooked Italian sausage for a heartier flavor.
- Low-Carb: Swap cooked pasta for roasted spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- Pesto Swap: Replace balsamic and olive oil with 1/3 cup basil pesto for a different herbal punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
A: You can, but you must cook it first. Dice or shred raw chicken and sauté until fully cooked, then proceed. Baking raw chicken in the casserole may dry it out unless you add a little extra moisture and increase bake time.
Q: How can I prevent the casserole from getting watery?
A: Drain very juicy tomatoes and avoid overdoing balsamic. Use cooked, well-drained pasta and pat chicken dry if it’s very moist. Slightly undercook pasta if you plan to bake longer to avoid sogginess.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time if baking cold from the fridge.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: What cheeses work well besides mozzarella?
A: Fresh mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of mozzarella with a little parmesan or fontina all work. Parmesan adds a savory depth on top.
Q: Can I add more vegetables for color and nutrition?
A: Absolutely. Spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or roasted eggplant all pair well. Sauté firmer veggies first to remove excess moisture.
Q: How can I make this lower in sodium?
A: Use low-sodium or no-salt-added chicken, low-sodium cheese, limit added salt, and taste before serving.
Q: Will the basil lose flavor when baked?
A: Fresh basil is best added a little before baking or used as a garnish after baking to keep its bright aroma. You can mix some in and reserve some for topping.
Conclusion
This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole is a bright, cozy dish that brings fresh tomato and basil flavors to a comforting baked meal. It’s quick to assemble, freezer-friendly, and easy to adapt to what you have on hand. For another clean-eating take and serving inspiration, check out this recipe: Bruschetta Chicken Casserole for a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner. Give it a try — it’s an easy way to enjoy bruschetta flavors in a shareable, family-friendly casserole.
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Bruschetta Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This bruschetta chicken casserole transforms classic bruschetta flavors into a warm, comforting dish with juicy chicken, sweet tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a casserole dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. Prepare ingredients: dice the tomatoes and chop the basil; ensure chicken and pasta are cooked and drained.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, shredded mozzarella (reserve a handful for topping), chopped basil, cooked pasta, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with reserved mozzarella. Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and color.
Notes
For best results, use room-temperature ingredients and drain juicy tomatoes. This dish is great for easy family dinners and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
