Juicy Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles in 30 Minutes

I’ll never forget the first time I made Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles, it was one of those “aha!” moments in my kitchen. I’d been craving those bright Italian flavors but wanted something lighter than pasta.

The combination of juicy marinated chicken, garlicky tomato bruschetta, and fresh zucchini noodles hit every note perfectly. What really sold me? It all comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes. This dish has become my go-to when I need a meal that feels special but doesn’t keep me cooking all night. The best part is how the fresh basil and tomatoes make it taste like summer, no matter what season it is!

If you love bold Italian flavors, you’ve got to try our classic Bruschetta Chicken too.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

This recipe has been a game-changer in my kitchen, and here’s why it’ll become a staple in yours too:

• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal (and less time scrubbing dishes!)
• Weeknight hero: Ready in about 30 minutes from fridge to table
• Low-carb deliciousness: All the flavor of traditional bruschetta without the bread
• Summer freshness: Juicy tomatoes and basil make every bite taste like sunshine
• Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day for lunch

Trust me, this dish is the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent – exactly what busy cooks need!

Ingredients for Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavor-packed dish. I’ve grouped them by component so you can shop and prep efficiently. Freshness is key here!

• For the chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
  • 1 cup Italian dressing (plus 2 Tbsp reserved)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (my secret flavor booster!)
• For the bruschetta topping:
  • 1 lb fresh tomatoes, chopped (about 3 cups – I prefer Roma for less juice)
  • 3 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped (don’t skimp – it makes all the difference)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp jarred if you’re in a pinch)
  • 2 Tbsp Italian dressing
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
• For the zucchini noodles:
  • 1.5 lbs zucchini, spiralized (about 4-5 medium)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• Optional garnishes:
  • Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra basil leaves

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No worries if you need to make swaps! Here’s what works:

• Chicken thighs work great too, just cook a few minutes longer
• Use any Italian dressing you like (check labels for gluten-free if needed)
• Cherry or grape tomatoes work if that’s what you have, just halve them
• No spiralizer? Many stores sell pre-spiralized zucchini now (look for crisp, dry noodles)

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s what I grab from my kitchen to make this recipe shine:

• A good 12-inch skillet (my trusty cast iron works perfectly)
• Spiralizer (or pre-spiralized zucchini if you’re short on time)
• Mixing bowls (one for marinade, one for bruschetta topping)
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for all that fresh chopping)
• Tongs (for flipping that perfect golden chicken)

That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed, just basic kitchen tools you probably already have.

How to Make Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe flows beautifully when you follow these steps – I’ve made it dozens of times, and this method gives me perfect results every time.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First things first – let’s get that chicken flavorful! Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour in 1 cup Italian dressing (reserve 2 Tbsp for later). If you’re using the Italian seasoning, sprinkle it in now. Massage it all together gently – I like to pretend I’m giving the chicken a little spa treatment! Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. The longer it sits, the more those flavors soak in.

Step 2: Prepare the Bruschetta Topping

While the chicken marinates, let’s make that fresh bruschetta topping. Chop your tomatoes into small pieces – I like them about 1/4 inch so they’re easy to eat but still juicy. Mix them with the chopped basil, minced garlic, reserved 2 Tbsp Italian dressing, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate this mixture too – the chilling time lets the flavors mingle beautifully. You’ll be amazed how the garlic mellows and the basil perfumes the whole mixture!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Time to cook! Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade (let excess drip off) and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden brown and reaches 165°F inside – I always check with my instant-read thermometer. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps all those delicious juices locked in!

Step 4: Sauté the Zucchini Noodles

In the same skillet (don’t wash it – all those browned bits add flavor!), heat the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil. Add the zucchini noodles and 1 cup of your bruschetta mixture. Sauté for just 3-4 minutes, tossing frequently. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy – they’ll keep cooking a bit from residual heat. The tomatoes will soften slightly and coat the noodles in this amazing garlicky sauce.

Zucchini noodles not only keep things low-carb, but they’re also perfect alongside crisp sides like Air Fryer Zucchini Fries.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Now for the grand finale! Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Spoon the remaining bruschetta mixture over everything – I like to be generous here! Let it all heat through for about 1 minute. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan and extra basil leaves if you’re feeling fancy. The contrast of warm chicken, cool bruschetta, and tender-crisp noodles is absolute magic!

Tips for Perfect Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

After making this dish countless times, here are my foolproof tips to nail it every single time:

• Pat chicken dry before marinating – it helps the dressing cling better
• Don’t skip the fresh basil – dried just doesn’t give that bright pop of flavor
• Keep zucchini noodles al dente – they go from perfect to mushy fast!
• Let chicken rest before slicing – those juices will make everything more flavorful
• Use high heat when cooking chicken – you want that gorgeous golden crust

My biggest secret? Taste your bruschetta mixture before adding it to the dish – sometimes it needs an extra pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon to really sing!

Serving Suggestions

This bruschetta chicken already feels like a complete meal, but here’s how I love to round it out: For a cozy Italian night, warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up those juicy tomatoes. When I want something lighter, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish beautifully. And if you’re feeling fancy? A glass of chilled pinot grigio makes it feel like a restaurant meal at home!

Pair this dish with refreshing sides such as Cucumber Feta Salad or explore other chicken-based bowls like our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl.

Storage & Reheating

Here’s the good news – this bruschetta chicken gets even better as leftovers! Store everything together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go gentle – I like to warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat just until heated through. The microwave works too, but zap it in 30-second bursts to keep those zucchini noodles from turning soggy.

Pro tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of basil right before serving to wake up all those delicious flavors again!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) – but remember, estimates vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. This dish packs plenty of protein while keeping carbs low!

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 35g (that chicken really delivers!)
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fat: 18g

The zucchini noodles make this dish naturally lower in carbs than traditional pasta versions, while still giving you that satisfying “noodle” experience. The exact numbers will shift a bit depending on your dressing brand and how much Parmesan you add – but that’s the beauty of homemade cooking!

Looking for more chicken recipes? Try our juicy Grilled Chicken Drumsticks or sweet-savory Blueberry Chicken Chopped Salad.

FAQs About Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

I get asked these questions all the time – here are my tried-and-true answers to help you make this dish perfectly!

Ready to Make This Recipe?

I can’t wait for you to try this Bruschetta Chicken with Zucchini Noodles! When you do, come back and tell me how it turned out, leave a rating or comment below, or tag me on Instagram so I can see your beautiful creation. Happy cooking!

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