Skillet Bruschetta Chicken

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This flavorful skillet chicken bruschetta puts a tasty spin on a traditional dish. Drawing inspiration from the Italian appetizer, we replace the usual toasted bread with protein-packed chicken cutlets. The vibrant and juicy chopped tomato topping remains a constant, complemented by a drizzle of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. For an added layer of flavor, serve topped with shaved Parmesan cheese or add some chopped olives to the tomato mixture for a briny kick.

a recipe photo of the Skillet Bruschetta Chicken
Photo:

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Active Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4

Nutrition Notes

Are Chicken Cutlets Healthy?

Since chicken cutlets are just chicken breast that’s been cut lengthwise (and possibly pounded to make it thinner), yes, chicken cutlets are healthy. Chicken breast is a lean protein that is often found in healthy diets, including the Mediterranean diet. Besides protein, chicken breast also provides several micronutrients, including choline, vitamin B12, thiamin, vitamin B6, zinc and pantothenic acid (vitamin B5).

Are Cherry Tomatoes Good for You?

Despite some people avoiding tomatoes due to their lectin content, tomatoes are full of healthy nutrients, including vitamins C and K, and the antioxidants lycopene, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Altogether, tomatoes make for a healthy package that supports skin, eyes and heart health.

Is This Dish Gluten-Free?

Yes, this dish does not contain any ingredients that have gluten. With that said, always check the label and ingredients on premade sauces, including balsamic glaze, to be sure.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

What Are Chicken Cutlets?

They’re basically a cut of meat from a boneless, skinless chicken breast. You can find them in your grocery store’s meat department or make your own by carefully slicing a boneless chicken breast in half horizontally into two even pieces. Cover the chicken in plastic wrap and then pound it into ¼-inch-thick cutlets using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the Difference Between Balsamic Vinegar and Balsamic Glaze?

When a recipe calls for balsamic vinegar, it’s usually referring to the everyday variety found in your local grocery store, which starts at about $4 a bottle. It’s a sweet and tangy concoction made with wine vinegar and grape must, with or without caramel coloring. Then there is the authentic balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy, which is made with just grape must, and takes 12 to 25 years to produce. It’s sold in high-end specialty stores or online, and it can cost hundreds of dollars for a bottle. Because authentic balsamic vinegar is so special, it’s typically used as a finishing vinegar for drizzling over meats and vegetables. A balsamic glaze, on the other hand, is made by simmering balsamic vinegar until it’s reduced to a thick, syrupy consistency. Like authentic balsamic vinegar, it’s used at the end of cooking for drizzling on meat and vegetables. It’s also a perfect accompaniment for strawberries and vanilla ice cream.

What Can I Serve with Chicken Bruschetta?

We would suggest a simple salad that can be prepared in advance, or a steamed green vegetable. And for a starch, couscous is always a favorite, or you could opt for a healthy whole grain of your choice.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

the ingredients to make the Skillet Bruschetta Chicken

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, plus leaves for garnish (optional)

  • 2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar

  • 1 medium clove garlic, finely chopped

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 4 (4-ounce) chicken cutlets

  • 4 (1-ounce) slices part-skim low-moisture mozzarella cheese 

  • 4 teaspoons balsamic glaze

Directions

  1. Place tomatoes in a small bowl; add 1 tablespoon oil, shallot, basil, vinegar, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Toss to combine; set aside.

    a photo of the tomatoes and herbs mixed together

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

  2. Pat chicken dry using paper towels; sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

  3. Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken; cook, undisturbed, until golden brown on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Flip the cutlets and top each with a cheese slice. Cover the pan with a lid or baking sheet; cook until the cheese is melted and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F, about 1 minute, 30 seconds.

    a photo of the chicken with cheese placed on top

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

  4. Transfer the chicken to individual plates or a platter; top with the tomato mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired.

    a photo of the chicken served with the tomato mixture, glaze, and herbs

    Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

EatingWell.com, March 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

365 Calories
23g Fat
6g Carbs
32g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 cutlet & 1 cup tomato mixture
Calories 365
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 6g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 2%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 32g 65%
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 6g 31%
Cholesterol 105mg 35%
Vitamin A 78µg
Vitamin C 6mg 6%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 19%
Folate 19µg
Vitamin K 15µg
Sodium 366mg 16%
Calcium 162mg 12%
Iron 1mg 5%
Magnesium 44mg 11%
Potassium 519mg 11%
Zinc 2mg 15%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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