Name: or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. chicken breasts, or tenders, cut into bite sized pieces; 1 Tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil; 6 ripe Roma tomatoes, chopped and lightly sprinkled in sea salt; 3 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or chopped; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp dried oregano; 2 Tbsps high quality balsamic vinegar; Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon each; A small handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped; Cooking spray

Jump to Recipe

This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole is every bit as fresh and flavorful as the classic Italian appetizer, now baked into a satisfying weeknight family meal or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! Tender chicken is blanketed with ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, oozy mozzarella, and bright basil for a bubbly, golden casserole that brings together the best of summer produce and comforting home cooking—without any heavy carbs. Whether you’re trying to eat a little lighter or just want to channel those sunny Mediterranean flavors, this easy dish is sure to become one of your healthy staples!

or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this recipe brings something wonderful to the table—literally! From the juiciness of fresh tomatoes to the aromatic basil, each ingredient helps create that unbeatable fresh flavor and vibrant color you want from bruschetta, while making this a hearty or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea!

Chicken breasts or tenders: Go for boneless, skinless chicken for easy prep and lean protein—just chop into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Avocado oil or olive oil: Either oil works here; both help brown the chicken and keep it juicy in the oven.
Roma tomatoes: Choose ripe ones for their sweetness and minimal seeds, and don’t forget that pinch of sea salt to draw out their juices.
Fresh garlic cloves: Crush or chop for that irresistible, authentic Italian aroma that infuses the whole casserole.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, golden topping—use part-skim if you want to lighten it up without sacrificing meltiness.
Dried oregano: Just a bit brings a peppery, slightly floral note that brightens the whole dish.
High quality balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and an underlying sweetness that plays beautifully off the tomatoes.
Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing all the flavors, so season to your taste.
Fresh basil leaves: Stir these in at the end for a pop of color and peppery, herbal freshness.
Cooking spray: A quick spritz ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights.

How to Make or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea!

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Set your skillet over medium-high heat, add the avocado or olive oil, and once it shimmers, toss in those chicken pieces. Season them right away with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor. Let the chicken cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges turn golden and the pieces are almost cooked through. This step gives that satisfying “seared” bite to your or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea!

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

Spray or lightly brush an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil to avoid sticking. Spread the browned chicken evenly in the dish as your hearty base. Next, spoon the chopped, salted Roma tomatoes over the chicken, sprinkle on dried oregano, add your fresh chopped or crushed garlic, and don’t forget a little drizzle of high quality balsamic vinegar over everything for that signature tang. This builds those irresistible bruschetta layers while keeping the prep ultra-easy!

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Take your shredded mozzarella and scatter it generously over the tomato-garlic-chicken mixture, making sure every corner is covered. Mozzarella gives you that beautiful melted, bubbly top that everyone fights over—and it helps marry all those fresh flavors while making this a true or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea!

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place your casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered. Let it bake for 18 to 20 minutes, just until the cheese turns melty, golden, and the juices at the bottom are bubbling away. Keeping it uncovered is key for that deliciously caramelized top!

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Pull your casserole out of the oven and cover it loosely to let it rest about five minutes. This helps the juices redistribute so every serving is as moist and flavorful as the next. Sprinkle your chopped fresh basil over the top just before serving—this final step really brings everything together for a restaurant-worthy or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea!

How to Serve or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea!

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must, but don’t stop there! A light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze right before serving gives an extra pop of sweet tang. For a hint of heat, you can scatter over some crushed red pepper flakes. Even a bit of extra black pepper or a touch more fresh oregano can make this or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! special every time you serve it.

Side Dishes

This casserole is so full of flavor, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette works wonders, or go for roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to keep that clean eating theme. If you crave something a little more filling, try quinoa or cauliflower rice soaks up those gorgeous juices—making your or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your casserole into a party-worthy dish by scooping it onto toasted slices of whole grain baguette or over spiralized zucchini noodles. You could also serve it family-style in a beautiful ceramic baking dish right at the table, topped with extra basil for color. However you present it, this is or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! that shines with very little effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casseroles are a gift from your past self! Simply let any extras cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—this or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! tastes just as good, if not better, the next day as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

If you want to keep portions for later, this casserole freezes surprisingly well. Cut into individual servings and wrap each tightly or place in small freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. That way, you can enjoy or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! any time the craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, place your refrigerated (or thawed) leftovers in a baking dish, cover loosely, and warm in a 350 degrees F oven for about 15 minutes, or until piping hot. For quick lunches, a microwave works too—just use a microwave-safe plate and check after 2-3 minutes. The cheese stays melty and the chicken juicy in every bite, making reheated or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! something to look forward to.

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of Roma tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry or grape tomatoes are a great swap if that’s what you have on hand. They pack lots of sweetness and a bright, juicy pop, making your or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! just as delicious and colorful.

What can I use as a substitute for mozzarella?

If you’re out of mozzarella or looking to mix things up, shredded provolone or part-skim Italian blend cheeses both work well. Plant-based cheese can also be used if you want to make your or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! dairy-free.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Then just bake when you’re ready. This makes it ideal for meal prep or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! that fits your schedule.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Browning the chicken just until almost done before baking is key. The rest of the moisture comes from the juices released by tomatoes and the melted cheese, so your or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! stays moist and flavorful.

Is this casserole gluten free?

Yes—there are no breadcrumbs or wheat products in the recipe as written, so it’s naturally gluten free! Just make sure your cooking spray and balsamic vinegar are gluten free to keep this or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! totally safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a meal that bursts with fresh flavor, is simple to make, and fits your healthy routine, look no further than this or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! It’s the perfect way to bring everyone to the table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your household!

or a Delicious Clean Eating Dinner Idea! Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Bruschetta Chicken Casserole is a delicious dish that combines the flavors of a classic bruschetta with tender chicken and gooey cheese, baked to perfection. It’s a perfect option for a clean eating dinner that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook until golden brown on the sides and almost cooked through.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the cooked chicken to a 8×8 baking dish. Top with chopped tomatoes, oregano, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Place the casserole into the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven, cover, and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian