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Welcome to a dish that brings vibrant Italian flavors right to your weeknight table! These Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets offer a delicious combination of fresh bruschetta topping and tender chicken. It is a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal, perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic dinner with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets
You are going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. It is truly a kitchen superstar!
- Quick and easy to prepare. These come together in just minutes for a fast dinner.
- Bursting with fresh, savory flavors. The tomato and garlic topping is incredibly bright.
- Tender, juicy chicken cutlets. Pounded thin, they cook up perfectly every time.
- Golden, bubbly, melted cheese. Mozzarella and Parmesan add a rich, gooey finish.
- Impressive, yet incredibly simple. Friends and family will think you worked for hours.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create your delectable Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets. Each component plays a vital role in building this dish’s irresistible flavor profile.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, well-drained
- 1 clove fresh garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for bruschetta mix
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or 1/4 teaspoon each dried basil and oregano)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 pounds (4 cutlets) chicken breast cutlets or thinly sliced chicken breasts, 1/4-inch thick
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing chicken
- 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to your pantry or preferences. For the bruschetta, fresh Roma tomatoes, diced small and seeded, make an excellent substitute for canned. If you do not have fresh garlic, use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or a teaspoon of jarred minced garlic. Feel free to use dried basil and oregano if you do not have Italian seasoning. Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses work well in place of mozzarella. If you only have regular chicken breasts, simply slice them lengthwise or pound them thin between two pieces of plastic wrap to create cutlets.
Pounding chicken cutlets to an even thickness can significantly improve cooking time and tenderness, as explained by culinary experts.
Equipment
You likely have all the necessary kitchen tools already!
- Large oven-safe skillet (a 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet is best)
- Broiler in your oven
- Medium mixing bowl
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Instructions
Creating these Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets is straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful meal.
- Place an oven rack a few inches below the broiler and preheat your oven to broil.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained diced tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Set this fresh bruschetta topping aside.
- Season both sides of the chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure your skillet is broiler-safe; cast iron or stainless steel are ideal.
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot skillet. Sear them for 3 minutes on one side until they develop a nice golden-brown color. They will not be fully cooked through yet, which is perfectly fine.
- Flip the seared chicken cutlets over. Immediately spoon the prepared bruschetta topping evenly over each cutlet.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese over the bruschetta-topped chicken. Let them cook in the pan for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on the stovetop.
- Carefully transfer the hot skillet directly to the preheated broiler.
- Broil the Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets for about 3 minutes. Watch closely as cheese can burn quickly! The cheese should be bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
- Check for doneness by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of a cutlet. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If your cutlets were thicker than 1/4-inch, you might need to return them to the stovetop for an additional 1-3 minutes.
- Garnish the finished chicken cutlets generously with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy this delicious, easy meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
For the best results with your Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets, keep these pointers in mind.
- Broiler Safety: Always confirm your skillet is oven and broiler-safe. Never use pans with plastic handles under the broiler.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cook chicken in batches if your skillet is not large enough to hold all cutlets in a single layer without touching. This ensures even searing.
- Watch the Broiler: Broilers cook very quickly. Stay near the oven and check frequently to prevent the cheese from burning.
- Pound Evenly: For consistent cooking, pound your chicken cutlets to an even 1/4-inch thickness across the entire piece.
- Use a Thermometer: An instant-read meat thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken. It ensures safety and prevents dry, overcooked meat.
- Adjust Cook Time: If your chicken cutlets are slightly thicker than recommended, increase the searing time or stovetop finish time slightly to ensure they reach 165°F.
Serving, Storage & Variations
These Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets are wonderfully versatile.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these flavorful chicken cutlets with a side of pasta tossed in olive oil, fluffy rice, or healthy quinoa.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Offer some crusty garlic bread or focaccia. It is perfect for soaking up any delicious juices or extra bruschetta bits.
Storage
- Store any leftover Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- They will maintain their best quality for 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Variations
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze over the chicken just before serving for an extra layer of tangy sweetness.
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh basil leaves into the bruschetta mixture along with the parsley for an even brighter, more aromatic flavor.
- Add-ins: For more complexity, consider adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a few pitted Kalamata olives to your bruschetta topping.
- A Touch of Heat: If you enjoy a little spice, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the bruschetta mixture.
Nutrition
These Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets offer a balanced and protein-rich meal. They are packed with lean protein from the chicken breast and beneficial nutrients from fresh tomatoes and garlic. While specific values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, this provides an estimated breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount (Estimated per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~460 |
| Protein | ~63g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Carbohydrates | ~8g |
FAQ
Can I use store-bought bruschetta topping?
Yes, for convenience, you can definitely use store-bought bruschetta topping. Just check the ingredient list for freshness and adjust any additional seasoning.
How thick should the chicken cutlets be?
Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness for your chicken cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly, remaining tender and juicy.
According to the USDA, chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I bake this recipe instead of broiling?
Yes, you can bake this recipe. After adding the topping and cheese, bake the skillet at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly.
What are good side dishes for this meal?
Excellent side dishes include pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A fresh garden salad also pairs beautifully with these Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets.
Conclusion
These Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets are a true testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. They offer vibrant flavors, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, all prepared with minimal fuss. Perfect for beginners and busy parents, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimal effort. Whip up these incredible Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight dinner! Do not forget to share your experience and rate the recipe below.
Easy Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken Cutlets
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet Cast iron or stainless steel preferred
- Broiler Preheated and ready to use
- Medium mixing bowl
- Instant-read meat thermometer For checking internal temperature of chicken
Ingredients
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, well-drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for bruschetta mix
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/4 tsp each dried basil and oregano)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast cutlets or thinly sliced chicken breasts (4 pieces, 1/4-inch thick)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing chicken
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Place an oven rack near the broiler and preheat your oven to broil.
- In a medium bowl, mix drained diced tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 tbsp olive oil, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Season both sides of chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and sear for 3 minutes on one side until golden.
- Flip the chicken, then spoon the bruschetta mixture evenly over each cutlet.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over each piece. Let cook another 1.5–2 minutes on the stovetop.
- Transfer the skillet to the broiler. Broil for about 3 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked (165°F). If needed, return to stovetop for 1–3 extra minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
