A refreshing weeknight dinner consisting of perfectly crisp chicken with cool hints of tomato and fresh basil.
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I must say, I made this up all by myself although it’s not rocket science
The Trinity = Tomato + Basil + Garlic
Living with my budget friendly husband has taught me to be creative and try not to waste. I really do hate wasting food, because so many go without the luxury of being able to buy whatever suits them from the grocery. Therefore, I make it a challenge to use all of my groceries before they go bad. Lucky for me, Chance also hates waste and willingly eats the leftovers! Bruschetta chicken was created on this principle!
I had a few grape tomatoes going bad that I knew wouldn’t last but a few more days. I was also babysitting my MILs basil plant at the time while she was out of town. I can’t grow basil, I don’t know what it is. Every basil plant I buy ends up with woody stems and dying. Help me out y’all.
Anyways, garlic is always in my veggie basket. These three ingredients together is the Italian version of the Holy Trinity. Bless that trinity with some olive oil and you are set. Here in South Louisiana our trinity includes onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Behind the Scenes
That’s really all there is to it – basil, garlic, and tomato. Add some salt and pepper if you please and let those babies marinate in the fridge for a hot (or cold) minute. Now to cook the chicken is pretty easy. Sorry, I hate when people say that. It’s synonymous with only 10 minute prep time. No Karen, it takes me at least 10 minutes to cut the onion you want finely chopped. Let’s be realistic here. Be easy on yourselves y’all, you will get the hang of it. I am by far no expert and I picked it up.
I like to buy the thin sliced chicken breast, because they are very versatile and cook quickly. You can use regular breasts sliced in half or thighs pounded thin. Just be aware of the change in cooking time. For the gluten free option, coat your chicken in arrowroot starch mixed with whatever seasonings you like. Bob’s Red Mill is my favorite, and can usually be found at any grocery aisle. I added some Italian seasoning to mine. Fry for about 3 minutes each side in some avocado oil and set aside. If that is a little intimidating for you, then dip those filets in some panko bread crumbs and pop it in the air fryer. You will get nice, crispy and juicy chicken!
Learn from my mistakes – DO NOT put arrowroot coated chicken in the air fryer! You will have a powdered mess everywhere!
To Top It Off…
This next part really makes the dish. If you are feeling like you can handle some dairy, sprinkle mozzarella (imagine me saying that in an Italian accent) cheese on top and broil in the oven for a couple of minutes. Don’t lose track of time, because these babies will burn quickly. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, plate your chicken and top with the bruschetta mixture you just whipped up. This next part is optional, but HIGHLY recommended. Drizzle with some balsamic glaze and your chicken will be finger lickin good! My favorite brand is the Gia Russa glaze, but any glaze will work.
Serve with whatever vegetables are about to go bad or whatever you are in the mood for.
Energy Level 4/5
High
Involves some prep, more than 5 steps, have to move rather quickly
Don’t forget to check out my favorite kitchen essentials to make this meal prep easier on you!
Bruschetta Chicken
Description
Juicy, crispy chicken with a cool and refreshing topping
Ingredients
For the Bruschetta
For the Chicken:
Lagniappe
Instructions
- Chop garlic, tomatoes, and basil and combine in small bowl
- Drizzle olive oil over prepared ingredients until the mixture is covered about halfway
- Season with salt and pepper
- Store in the refrigerator to marinate until ready to use
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper
- In a shallow dish, combine arrowroot, Italian seasoning, and paprika
- Heat avocado oil on medium high heat in a heavy skillet
- Dip the chicken in the arrowroot mixture until completely coated on both side
- Place the chicken in the heated skillet and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side – cooking length may vary based on thickness
- Set chicken on a sheet pan when done and layer with mozzarella cheese
- Broil on high for 2-3 minutes
- Spoon bruschetta mixture on top of chicken
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze
Bruschetta Prep
Chicken
Topping It All Off
Notes
- Also try coating the chicken in panko bread crumbs and cooking in the air fryer at 400 degrees for 4 minutes on each side
- Serve with a side salad or your favorite vegetable
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