Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that combines the fresh flavors of classic bruschetta with tender, creamy chicken and everything bagels. It’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Cut the everything 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 herb and garlic cream cheese with the cream until smooth and free of lumps.
4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture, stirring until all the chicken pieces are coated. Remove the pan from heat.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, basil pesto, salt, pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.
6. Step 6: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spoon the tomato and pesto mixture evenly over the chicken layer.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use day-old bagels for a firmer casserole base that holds up well to the creamy topping.
• Substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
• Add fresh chopped basil on top after baking for an extra burst of freshness.
• For a lighter version, replace the cream with half-and-half or milk.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until warmed through, or reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the casserole’s creamy texture without drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread instead of everything bagels?

Yes, you can substitute with ciabatta, baguette, or another firm bread that will absorb the creamy chicken mixture without becoming too soggy.

Is this casserole suitable for freezing?

This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 86 reviews

This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy herb and garlic sauce, topped with fresh tomato bruschetta and melted mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful baked dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base

• 4 everything bagels

Cream Sauce

• 1/2 cup herb and garlic cream cheese
• 1/2 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
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese

Cheese Topping

• 1/2 cup finely grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Bagels: Cut the everything bagels into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the base layer.
3. Make Cream Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the herb and garlic cream cheese with the 18% cream. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Add Chicken: Stir the cooked shredded chicken into the cream cheese mixture until all the chicken is well-coated. Remove the saucepan from heat once combined.
5. Prepare Bruschetta Mixture: 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.
6. Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the cut bagel pieces in the baking dish. Then, evenly distribute the bruschetta mixture over the chicken layer.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the finely grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
9. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking before cutting into portions and serving.
10. Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Bruschetta Casserole warm and enjoy its rich combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.

Notes

• Removing the seeds and juice from the tomatoes helps prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Using everything bagels adds extra flavor but you can substitute with plain or sesame bagels if preferred.
• Cook the chicken breasts ahead of time by boiling, baking, or using leftover cooked chicken.
• For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cream varieties.
• Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.

Keywords: Chicken Bruschetta Casserole, baked chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, bagel casserole, Italian-inspired casserole, mozzarella chicken bake