Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a comforting blend of creamy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and flavorful herbs layered over everything bagel pieces. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of bruschetta and a hearty casserole in one delicious bake.

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 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: Add the shredded chicken to the cream cheese mixture and stir until all the chicken is fully coated. Remove the pan from heat.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, diced red onion, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix gently.
6. Step 6: Spread the chicken and cream cheese mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the baking dish.
7. Step 7: Spoon the tomato and pesto mixture over the chicken layer.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Step 10: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting into portions and serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of fresh basil and dried Italian herbs in place of pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Substitute sourdough or ciabatta bread for bagels if preferred.
• Add a splash of white wine to the cream cheese sauce for extra depth.
• Top with fresh basil leaves right before serving to brighten the dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or a mild cheddar for a different taste.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Chicken Bruschetta Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 105 reviews

This Chicken Bruschetta Casserole is a flavorful and comforting baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken coated in a creamy herb and garlic sauce, layered over bite-sized everything bagels, and topped with a fresh tomato bruschetta mixture and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.

• Author: Cleo
• 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

Creamy Chicken 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: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
2. Prepare Bagels: 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 Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the herb and garlic cream cheese with the 18% cream over medium-low heat. 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 pieces are well-coated. Remove this creamy chicken mixture from the heat.
5. Mix Bruschetta Topping: In a small bowl, combine diced Roma tomatoes (with seeds and juice removed), diced red onion, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well to blend the flavors.
6. Assemble Layers: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the baking dish. Then, evenly distribute the bruschetta mixture over the top of the chicken layer.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the finely grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire casserole to top it off.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
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 the delicious blend of creamy chicken, fresh bruschetta flavors, and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Notes

• Removing seeds and juice from the tomatoes helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
• Using everything bagels adds a flavorful base, but you can substitute with other bread types if desired.
• Make sure the chicken is shredded finely for even distribution throughout the casserole.
• For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture.
• The dish can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated before baking to save time.

Keywords: Chicken Bruschetta Casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken dish, chicken and bagel casserole, easy chicken dinner