Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

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If you’re looking for a light yet flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare, this Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles recipe is the perfect option. Combining tender chicken with fresh bruschetta topping and spiralized zucchini, it makes for a refreshing low-carb meal without sacrificing any flavor.

The combination of marinated chicken, fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil takes this dish to another level of deliciousness. The zucchini noodles absorb all the rich flavors while keeping the meal light and healthy. You’ll love how easy it is to make this beautiful Italian-inspired meal!

It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Juicy Chicken Meets Fresh Bruschetta and Zoodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Bursting with fresh flavors from juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic.
• Low-carb alternative using spiralized zucchini instead of pasta.
• Easy to prepare and takes just a few ingredients to make an impressive dish.
• Perfect for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily.

Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles recipe!

Ingredients for Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

For this recipe, you’ll need a few fresh ingredients and some pantry staples. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to bring this flavorful dish together:

• Chicken Breasts – Use 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are the star of this dish, absorbing all the flavors from the marinade.
• Italian Dressing – You’ll need 1 cup + 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing, divided. It acts as both a marinade for the chicken and a base for the bruschetta topping.
• Italian Seasoning (Optional) – A teaspoon of this blend adds extra depth to the flavor, but feel free to skip it if you prefer a simpler taste.
• Tomatoes – Use 1 pound (about 3 cups) of fresh, chopped tomatoes. They add juiciness and freshness to the bruschetta topping.
• Basil Leaves – You’ll need 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil for that classic Italian flavor.
• Garlic – 2 minced cloves give the dish a punch of garlicky goodness, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Salt & Pepper – Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Olive Oil – Use 2 tablespoons, divided, to cook both the chicken and the zucchini noodles.
• Zucchini – Spiralize 1.5 pounds of zucchini to make the noodles. It’s a light, healthy alternative to traditional pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese (Optional) – For extra richness, freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory finish.
• More Basil for Garnishing (Optional) – Fresh basil as a garnish adds a vibrant color and extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Now that we’ve gathered the ingredients, it’s time to prepare this flavorful dish! Follow these steps to ensure that every element is cooked perfectly.

1. Marinate the Chicken: To start, place the chicken breasts in a large zipper storage bag or shallow dish. Mix 1 cup of the Italian dressing with the optional Italian seasoning and pour it over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but you can leave it for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Bruschetta Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, basil, garlic, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of Italian dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This fresh bruschetta topping is what brings brightness to the dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (discarding the marinade) and add it to the hot skillet. Cook the chicken for about 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice it thinly.
4. Cook the Zucchini Noodles: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the spiralized zucchini noodles. Stir in about 1 cup of the bruschetta topping and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles soften and absorb the flavors. Be careful not to overcook them to maintain some texture. Once done, drain any excess liquid from the pan.
5. Assemble and Finish: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, along with the remaining bruschetta mixture. Stir and cook for about a minute to warm everything through. If you want, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan and more basil on top for extra flavor.

This dish is now ready to be served fresh and hot!

Tips:

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor: Letting the chicken marinate for the full 24 hours makes a big difference in taste.
• Spiralize Fresh Zucchini: If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can usually find pre-spiralized zucchini in the grocery store.

How Long to Cook Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and how tender you like your zucchini noodles. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended times for each step to ensure everything turns out perfectly:

Cooking the Chicken

To get that beautiful golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside, you’ll need to:

• Cook the chicken breasts for 10-15 minutes over medium heat.
• Turn the chicken occasionally to ensure even browning.
• The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), so using an instant-read thermometer is key to avoid overcooking.

Cooking the Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini noodles cook quickly, and it’s important not to overdo them to maintain their texture:

• Cook the zucchini noodles for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to help them absorb the bruschetta flavors.
• Be sure to drain off any excess liquid after cooking to avoid soggy noodles.

• Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking. This will reduce cooking time slightly and make it easier to achieve a consistent golden-brown finish.
• Zucchini Noodles Texture: If you like your noodles to have a bit more bite, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. Overcooked zucchini noodles can become mushy, so keep an eye on them.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well and can be easily reheated for another meal.

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and zucchini noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together even more after sitting, making the leftovers even tastier.
• In the Freezer: While zucchini noodles are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating Tips:

• Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the chicken and zucchini noodles in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil to refresh the flavors and prevent drying out.
• Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat the dish in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until warmed through.

By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal every time!

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