Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Herbed Chicken with Tomatobasil Topping

Quick Hook

Grilled Chicken Bruschetta is my go-to summer showstopper. Ever had that first bite that makes you stop talking? The combo of smoky, herb marinated chicken and a bright tomato basil topping does that.

Oh my gosh, the contrast of char and fresh acidity is why people call this a perfect summer eating dish.

Brief Overview

This twist on classic bruschetta has roots in Italian antipasti. It lifts the Bruschetta Recipe into a heartier form with protein.

Difficulty sits at easy medium. Expect about 1 hour total with a short marinate. Yields four mains or eight appetizer portions.

Great for casual dinners or as easy summer appetizers at a backyard grill night.

Main Benefits

Top health benefit: it's high in protein and lower in fat. This makes it friendly for many Weight Watchers Meals plans.

Serve it at a picnic, potluck, or alfresco dinner. Honestly, it’s the perfect weeknight flex when you want fuss free deliciousness.

What makes it special is the balance. The Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken brings savory depth. The Tomato Basil Bruschetta Topping brightens every bite. Add a drizzle of Balsamic Glaze Bruschetta and it feels restaurant level.

A quick stat to brag about: peak tomato season means tomatoes are at their most flavorful in summer. That little fact alone changes everything.

I once made this for a last minute dinner. Guests kept passing the platter back. True story I had to hide the extra crostini.

This recipe is basically a Grilled Chicken Crostini family. It can double as a main or a snack. Swap mozzarella or Parmesan, and you’ve got bruschetta chicken with options.

The instructions are straightforward. Watch the internal temp reach 165° F ( 74° C) and rest the meat five minutes.

Ready to grab your cutting board? Next up: ingredients and quick tips for grilling, toasting, and keeping crostini crisp.

Ingredients & Equipment

Tomatoes peak in summer. They often taste up to 30% sweeter. That makes this Grilled Chicken Bruschetta sing.

Main Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade:

• 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts.
• 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced.
• 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt.
• 1/2 tsp (1 g) black pepper.
• 1 tsp (1 g) dried oregano or 1 tbsp (4 g) fresh oregano. Quality note: buy chicken with pale pink color. No smell. Fresh herbs should be bright green.

Tomato-Basil Topping:

• 2 cups (300 350 g) ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced.
• 1/3 cup (10 12 g) fresh basil, thinly sliced.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar or lemon juice.
• 1 small shallot (about 25 g), finely diced. Quality note: use Roma or vine-ripe tomatoes. Firm, not mealy.

Crostini & Finishing:

• 1 baguette, sliced into 12 16 slices, 1/2" (1.25 cm) thick.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil for brushing.
• 2 3 oz (60 85 g) fresh mozzarella, torn, optional. Quality note: choose crusty bread with good crumb. Olive oil should smell fruity.

Seasoning Notes

Essential combos: garlic + basil + lemon. Salt early for better flavor. Add pinch red pepper flakes for heat. Flavor enhancers: a splash of balsamic glaze wakes the topping.

A grind of fresh pepper finishes nicely. Aromatics: shallot beats raw onion here. Grated garlic is sharper. Quick subs: swap chicken breasts for thighs.

Use lemon if no balsamic. Gluten-free baguette works fine. This is a solid Chicken Bruschetta Recipe or Bruschetta Chicken option.

Great for Summer Eating and lighter Weight Watchers Meals .

Equipment Needed

Essentials: grill or grill pan. Instant read thermometer. Cutting board and chef’s knife. Mixing bowls and spatula. Household alternatives: use a heavy skillet instead of a grill.

Toast crostini in the oven at 400° F ( 200° C) . Tongs work for flipping. I grilled this for friends once.

They loved the char. Honest moment: don’t skip the rest after grilling. Let chicken rest five minutes. It keeps the juices in.

Cooking Method Grilled Chicken Bruschetta

Fun fact: fresh tomatoes are about 95% water . That matters here. I learned that the hard way. My first batch sogged the bread. Never again.

Prep Steps

Get your mise en place first. Slice tomatoes, chop basil, measure oil. Pound chicken to 1/2" thickness. That helps even cooking.

Save time by prepping the tomato mix ahead. Let it sit 10– 15 minutes . It concentrates flavor. Keep cutting boards separate for raw chicken. Avoid cross-contamination.

Safety note: always wash hands and surfaces. Cook chicken to 165° F ( 74° C). Use an instant-read thermometer.

step-by-step Process

1. Marinate chicken in oil, lemon, garlic, salt, oregano. Marinate 30 minutes or up to 4 hours .
2. Mix diced tomatoes, shallot, garlic, oil, balsamic, basil. Rest 10– 15 minutes . Drain excess juice if watery.
3. Toast baguette slices. Grill or oven at 400° F ( 200° C) . Toast 6– 8 minutes or until golden. Rub with garlic.
4. Preheat grill to 400– 450° F (200– 230° C) . Oil the grates. Grill chicken 4– 6 minutes per side . Look for clear juices.
5. Check doneness with thermometer. Target 165° F ( 74° C) internal. Let rest 5– 10 minutes . Slice thin across the grain.
6. Assemble: crostini, sliced chicken, Tomato-Basil Bruschetta Topping. Add mozzarella or a drizzle of Balsamic Glaze Bruschetta.

Visual cues: good char marks on chicken. Crostini golden and crisp. Tomato mix glossy, not watery. These show readiness.

Pro Tips

Pound chicken evenly. It cooks fast and stays juicy. Use high heat for quick sear. Rest meat to lock juices. A tip I love: rub warm crostini with garlic. Instant flavor.

Common mistakes: skipping the rest. Overcrowding the grill. Leaving watery tomatoes on bread. Avoid these.

Make-ahead: marinate up to 4 hours . Tomato topping keeps 2 days refrigerated. Toast crostini just before serving.

This Grilled Chicken Bruschetta works as a main or an appetizer. It hits Summer Eating vibes. It fits Weight Watchers Meals when portioned.

Honestly, it’s my go-to for Easy Summer Appetizers and Herb-Marinated Grilled Chicken nights. Try it and tell me how your first bite made you smile.

I still remember the first time I made Grilled Chicken Bruschetta. It felt fancy. My guests thought I slaved all day.

Fun fact: ripe tomatoes are about 95 percent water. That matters for soggy bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this as a bright main or small bites. Place slices of Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken atop warm crostini. Spoon the Tomato Basil Bruschetta Topping over the chicken.

Add torn mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan. For party vibes, arrange on a big wooden board. Drinks? Try a chilled rosé or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

If you want beer, a light lager works. These are perfect for Summer Eating and make great Easy Summer Appetizers .

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Store chicken and topping separately in airtight containers. Keep fridge at or below 40° F .

The tomato mix lasts about two days. Crostini will lose crunch, sadly. Freezing whole assembled bruschetta is not recommended. You can freeze plain grilled chicken for up to three months.

Reheat chicken gently. Warm in a low oven or skillet. Reheat until internal temp reaches 165° F for safety.

Variations

Want swaps? For lower carbs, skip the bread. Serve topping over large lettuce leaves. That turns it into a neat option for Weight Watchers Meals .

For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with slices of fresh mozzarella or grilled eggplant. Seasonal swap: use roasted tomatoes in winter.

In summer, use cherry tomatoes for sweetness.

Nutrition Basics

Per main serving expect roughly 420 calories. Protein sits near 36 grams. Fat about 15 grams and carbs around 32 grams.

This is a balanced plate. Benefits include lean protein and lycopene from tomatoes. Olive oil brings heart healthy fats. Basil adds antioxidants.

I messed up the crostini once by rubbing too much garlic. Lesson learned: a light rub is perfect. Honestly, this Chicken Bruschetta Recipe never gets old.

Try it, tweak it, and enjoy. You’ll impress friends without stress.