This Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is simple to prepare and soaked in a bright lemon-balsamic marinade, then finished with melted mozzarella and fresh tomato bruschetta — ideal for warm-weather dinners.
Grilling season is the perfect time to make this healthy, flavorful bruschetta chicken. Juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts are marinated in a bright lemon-balsamic dressing, then grilled and topped with melted mozzarella and fresh tomato bruschetta. A final drizzle of balsamic glaze brings a touch of sweetness and depth. The recipe is easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and flexible — you can swap chicken thighs, skip the glaze for a lower-carb meal, or serve the bruschetta separately to keep it fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or substitute chicken thighs)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or grated mozzarella / parmesan)
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
For the bruschetta
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or more if desired)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Bruschetta Chicken
- Make the marinade. In a bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with a little extra salt and pepper, place them in a shallow dish or a resealable bag, and pour the marinade over them. Turn to coat and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours. (Do not exceed 12 hours to avoid altering the chicken’s texture.)
- Prepare the bruschetta. Combine the sliced tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil and chopped basil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and set aside to macerate while the chicken cooks.
- Grill the chicken. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and lightly oil the grates or pan. Discard the used marinade. Grill the chicken about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is cooked through.
- Add the cheese. Place a slice of mozzarella on each breast during the final minute of grilling and allow it to melt.
- Finish and serve. Spoon the tomato bruschetta over each chicken breast and, if desired, drizzle with a little balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Marinate up to 12 hours for best flavor, but don’t exceed 12 hours to avoid a mushy texture.
- Lightly oil the grill or pan to prevent sticking.
- If you prefer not to grill, bake the chicken at 400°F (204°C) for 22–28 minutes or until cooked through.
- Use a digital thermometer to check doneness — 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken.
- Reserve a small amount of the marinade before coating the chicken if you want to brush some on while grilling (do not reuse marinade that has contacted raw chicken unless boiled).
- This marinade also works well on chicken wings or thighs.
How to Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze
If you don’t have a store-bought glaze, you can make a simple balsamic reduction. Combine 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens. The glaze will continue to thicken as it cools. Omit the honey if you’re following a strict low-carb or keto plan.
Prepping and Storing
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. To keep the bruschetta from getting soggy, store the cooked chicken and the tomato mixture separately and combine just before serving. Chicken can be frozen for up to 4 months, but the bruschetta should be prepared fresh.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Serving: 1/4 of recipe • Calories: 419 kcal • Carbohydrates: 6.1 g • Protein: 58.7 g • Fat: 16.6 g • Saturated Fat: 6 g • Sodium: 706 mg • Fiber: 0.7 g • Sugar: 2.8 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an estimate.
More Fresh Tomato Recipes You’ll Love
- Marinated Summer Caprese Salad
- Tomato, Cucumber and Chickpea Salad
- Loaded Veggie Tomato Sauce
- Summer Zucchini and Tomato Gratin
- Homemade Pico de Gallo
I hope you enjoy this Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. If you make it, I’d love to see your photos and hear how it turned out!