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Grilled Balsamic Bruschetta Chicken 2 Ways

I am a huge fan of bruschetta, any style really, but especially fresh tomato, basil and garlic bruschetta. I wanted to turn some boring pieces of chicken into something the whole family would enjoy.

Altering dinner is somewhat typical at my house lately. My husband who is now wearing braces, has a hard time biting into hard crusty bread, so he needs foods eaten with a fork. This first recipe was for him so he doesn’t freak out me! I was actually surprised how tasty this grilled chicken was on it’s own, do give it a try. I love my indoor grill pan, they are so handy, if you don’t have one go check them out.

Balsamic Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thawed (I use the big Costco bag)
Pinch of salt
¼ Cup balsamic vinegar
¼ Cup extra virgin olive oil
8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese

4 Roma Tomatoes, seeded and diced
8 fresh basil leaves, stacked, rolled and thinly sliced into chiffonade
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Pinch of salt
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1.Preheat a grill pan over medium heat on the stovetop.Spray with cooking spray.Combine balsamic and olive oil in a bowl.Season both sides of chicken with pinches of salt and place on grill.Brush top sides of chicken with balsamic mixture.Cook for 4-5 minutes and flip chicken.Brush with additional balsamic and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until cooked through.During the last 2 minutes of grilling place 2 slices of cheese over top each chicken to melt.

2. In a large bowl combine the tomatoes, basil garlic, salt and balsamic. Toss gently to combine. Place chicken breasts on a serving plate and top with tomato mixture. Serve warm.

Garlic Toasted Balsamic Chicken Bruschetta Sandwich

Mmmm, here’s my pick. My boys were all for the sammy too. Garlic ciabatta rolls, toasty and warm. Fresh mozzarella oozing out the sides with the same balsamic grilled chicken and tomato topping. The balsamic vinegar is so good basted on the chicken as it grills and drizzled into the tomato topping. My youngest little guy was eating the tomato and basil straight from the bowl. He’s a smart boy! Definitely takes after his mother.

I also find it helpful to pound the chicken to an even thickness before grilling it. The chicken will cook evenly and quicker this way. Get a meat mallet and let the chicken have it! It’s actually quite fun, my boys were looking at me funny as I was pounding away. If you get the Costco bag of chicken breast by Tyson, thaw it in it’s individual wrap and pound it right in the wrapper, it works great and less mess to clean up.

Thank you Barbara over at Barbara Bakes for another “You Make My Day” Award. I have such wonderful cooking friends. I enjoy reading everyone’s cooking blogs, a little too much, I could be at this computer for hours!

Well, it’s 8:00pm, boys are in bed and I’ve got to go see what happened on American Idol! Have a great week everyone! Happy cooking!

Garlic Toasted Balsamic Chicken Bruschetta Sandwich

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts from above recipe
Pinch of salt
¼ Cup balsamic vinegar
¼ Cup extra virgin olive oil

4 Roma Tomatoes, seeded and diced
8 fresh basil leaves, stacked, rolled and thinly sliced into chiffonade
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Pinch of salt
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

8 thin slices fresh mozzarella
4 ciabatta rolls, or other rolls of choice

1.Preheat a grill pan over medium heat on the stovetop.Spray with cooking spray.Combine balsamic and olive oil in a bowl.Season both sides of chicken with pinches of salt and place on grill.Brush top sides of chicken with balsamic mixture.Cook for 4-5 minutes and flip chicken.Brush with additional balsamic and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until cooked through.

2. In a large bowl combine the tomatoes, basil garlic, salt and balsamic. Toss gently to combine. Set aside.

3. Preheat same grill pan over medium heat and spray with additional cooking spray. Place 2 slices of cheese on bottom rolls then layer with chicken breasts, spoonfuls of tomato mixture and 2 more slices of cheese. Place top rolls to close sandwich and grill both sides on hot grill pan until toasty and warm. Serve warm.