Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the fresh zest of bruschetta with tender chicken and creamy cheese. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 everything bagels
• ½ cup herb and garlic cream cheese
• ½ cup 18% cream
• 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded (about 2 medium chicken breasts)
• 2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced, seeds and juice removed
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, finely grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Cut the bagels into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the cream cheese and cream until smooth and lump-free.
4. Step 4: Stir the shredded chicken into the cream cheese mixture until all the chicken is evenly coated. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, basil pesto, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese.
6. Step 6: Spread the creamy chicken mixture over the bagels in the baking dish, then evenly top with the tomato and onion bruschetta mixture.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the casserole.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into pieces and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture for a mild kick.
• Use sourdough or French bread cubes instead of bagels for a different texture.
• Swap the mozzarella for a blend of Italian cheeses like fontina and provolone.
• Grill or roast your chicken breasts for a smokier depth of flavor.
• Feel free to add fresh basil leaves on top after baking for a fragrant garnish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain the casserole’s texture. Avoid reheating multiple times to keep the flavors fresh.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it before mixing with the cream cheese sauce.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

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4.4 from 66 reviews

Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a savory and comforting baked dish combining juicy shredded chicken in a creamy herb sauce layered with bite-sized everything bagel pieces, topped with fresh bruschetta mix and melty mozzarella cheese. This casserole offers a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 4 everything bagels, cut into bite sized pieces

Creamy Chicken Mixture

• ½ cup herb and garlic cream cheese
• ½ cup 18% cream
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2 medium chicken breasts)

Bruschetta Topping

• 2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced, seeds and juice removed
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese

Cheese Topping

• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, finely grated

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Bagel Base: Cut the everything bagels into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the base layer.
3. Make Creamy Chicken Mixture: Place the herb and garlic cream cheese with the 18% cream in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Then, add the shredded cooked chicken to the saucepan and stir until all the chicken is well coated by the creamy mixture. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare Bruschetta Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced Roma tomatoes (with seeds and juice removed), diced red onion, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to create the fresh bruschetta topping.
5. Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the baking dish. Next, evenly distribute the bruschetta topping over the creamy chicken layer.
6. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the finely grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the bruschetta layer. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set before cutting and serving. Enjoy your flavorful chicken bruschetta casserole!

Notes

• You can use any bagel flavor, but everything bagels add a nice savory flavor.
• Make sure to remove seeds and excess juice from the tomatoes to avoid soggy casserole.
• If you want to prepare in advance, assemble the casserole and refrigerate; bake right before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
• For a lighter version, substitute 18% cream with half-and-half or milk, though cream adds richness.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, Bruschetta casserole, Creamy chicken bake, Bagel casserole, Baked chicken dishes, Easy dinner casserole