Pesto Bruschetta Chicken
This Pesto Bruschetta Chicken combines tender, pan-seared chicken with a burst of Mediterranean freshness. Each piece is topped with a layer of fragrant basil pesto, juicy tomato bruschetta, and a sprinkle of melted mozzarella or Parmesan. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a light summer meal — pairs beautifully with rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small, about 1 lb / 450 g total)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning (or dried oregano + basil)
1 tsp garlic powder
For the Pesto:
¼ cup basil pesto
For the Bruschetta Topping:
2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt & pepper to taste
For Serving:
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Bruschetta Topping:
In a small bowl, mix diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. Toss well and set aside to marinate while cooking the chicken.
Cook the Chicken:
Pound chicken breasts lightly to even thickness.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and sear 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
Reduce heat and top each chicken breast with a spoonful of pesto. Spread evenly.
Add Cheese (Optional):
Sprinkle mozzarella or Parmesan on top of the pesto layer.
Cover skillet for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.
Top with Bruschetta:
Remove from heat and spoon the fresh tomato bruschetta over the chicken.
Drizzle with a little extra olive oil or balsamic glaze if desired.
Serve:
Garnish with extra basil and serve warm with rice, couscous, or roasted veggies.
Notes & Tips
You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
To make it lighter, skip the cheese — it’s still delicious!
Use homemade pesto for the best Mediterranean flavor.
Want extra flavor? Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes! Bake seasoned chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then top with pesto and cheese, bake for 5 more minutes, and finish with bruschetta.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the bruschetta and pesto ahead of time, but assemble everything right before serving to keep it fresh.
Q: What side dishes go well with it?
Try lemon herb rice, roasted potatoes, zucchini noodles, or a Mediterranean cucumber salad.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbs: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g