Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole combines the bright flavors of classic bruschetta with tender chicken and creamy cheese for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

A close-up of a baked dish in a clear glass pan sitting on a white marbled surface, filled with layers of white creamy cheese and scattered chunks of orange roasted sweet potatoes mixed with small pieces of purple-red onion, all seasoned with herbs and black pepper. The cheese is melted and slightly browned in places, while the sweet potatoes and onions show some charred edges, giving a textured and colorful look to the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 everything bagels
  • 1/2 cup herb and garlic cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup 18% cream
  • 2 cups chicken breast, cooked, 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 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 free of lumps.
  4. Step 4: Add the shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture and stir until all the chicken is coated. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.
  6. Step 6: Spread the chicken and cream cheese mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the baking dish. Then layer the tomato mixture on top.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole.
  8. Step 8: Bake 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 portions and serving.
  10. Step 10: Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Bruschetta Casserole!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, toast the bagel pieces lightly before layering them in the dish.
  • Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.
  • Add fresh basil leaves on top after baking for a burst of freshness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

A clear rectangular glass baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer appears to be chunky white cauliflower pieces. Above that is a layer of small diced orange sweet potatoes mixed with bits of purple-red onion spread evenly across. The top is covered with melted white cheese that has browned slightly in spots, with herbs and black pepper sprinkled over. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture and a green and white striped cloth partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of bread instead of bagels?

Yes, crusty bread like ciabatta or baguette works well as a substitute. Just cut into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as directed.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to an hour before baking, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. You can also assemble it the night before for even more convenience.

Print

Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of creamy herb and garlic cream cheese, tender shredded chicken, and a fresh tomato bruschetta topping. It’s layered over bite-sized everything bagel pieces and baked until golden and bubbly, making it perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Bagel Base

  • 4 everything bagels

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 1/2 cup herb and garlic cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup 18% cream
  • 2 cups chicken breast, cooked, shredded (about 2 medium sized 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 mozzarella cheese, finely grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set 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 Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the herb and garlic cream cheese and 18% cream until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Add Chicken: Stir the shredded cooked chicken into the cream cheese mixture until all pieces are well coated. Remove the pan from heat to prevent overcooking.
  5. Prepare Bruschetta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the diced Roma tomatoes (with seeds and juice removed), diced red onion, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly.
  6. Assemble Layers: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the baking dish. Then layer the bruschetta mixture evenly on top of the chicken layer.
  7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the finely grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking to set, then cut into portions and serve warm.
  10. Enjoy: Savor this flavorful and hearty Chicken Bruschetta Casserole!

Notes

  • Removing the seeds and juice from the tomatoes helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
  • Use freshly cooked and shredded chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.
  • Herb and garlic cream cheese adds a nice depth of flavor, but plain cream cheese with additional herbs can be substituted if needed.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture.
  • This casserole reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers, but the bagels may become softer after refrigeration.

Keywords: chicken casserole, bruschetta casserole, baked chicken recipe, creamy chicken bake, Italian chicken casserole, comfort food, herbed cream cheese casserole

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating