Description
Pesto Bruschetta Chicken is a fresh and flavorful skillet dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, basil pesto, vibrant tomato bruschetta, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. This Italian-inspired dish feels elegant yet comes together quickly enough for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
4 large chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 slices fresh mozzarella
1/2 cup basil pesto
1/2 lemon
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
2 cups diced tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, grated
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, basil, grated garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Pat the chicken dry and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken halfway through cooking.
- Reduce the heat to low and place two slices of mozzarella on each chicken breast. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and spoon basil pesto over each chicken breast.
- Top each piece of chicken with bruschetta topping and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
Roma tomatoes work especially well because they are less watery.
Store the bruschetta topping separately for the freshest texture.
Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts for extra juiciness.
Serve with pasta, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or salad.
Homemade pesto adds even more fresh basil flavor to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
