Ingredients
Base
- 4 everything bagels, cut into bite-sized pieces
Creamy Chicken Mixture
- ½ cup herb and garlic cream cheese
- ½ cup 18% cream
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (about 2 medium-sized chicken breasts)
Bruschetta Topping
- 2 cups Roma tomatoes, diced, seeds and juice removed
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated parmesan cheese
Cheese Topping
- ½ cup finely grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Bagel Base: Cut the everything bagels into bite-sized pieces and spread them evenly on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to create the casserole base.
- Make Creamy Chicken 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. Add the shredded chicken and stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Remove from heat once combined.
- Combine Bruschetta Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the diced Roma tomatoes (with seeds and juice removed), diced red onion, basil pesto, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese to form the fresh bruschetta mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the bagel pieces in the baking dish. Then spoon and spread the tomato bruschetta mixture evenly over the top of the chicken layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the finely grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the bruschetta layer to ensure a rich, melty finish.
- 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.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before cutting into portions and serving warm. Enjoy your flavorful Chicken Bruschetta Casserole!
Notes
- Ensure to remove seeds and excess juice from tomatoes to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.
- You can substitute the everything bagels with other bread varieties like ciabatta or baguette if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bruschetta mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for best melting results.
- If unable to find 18% cream, you can substitute with light cream or half-and-half but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
