Of course! This Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers is a simple, colorful, and incredibly flavorful one-pan meal. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight but feels special enough for company.
Here is a reliable and delicious recipe.
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The Spirit of the Dish
This dish is all about ease and big flavor with minimal cleanup. Chicken breasts are baked atop a bed of sweet bell peppers and onions, which soften and caramelize in the oven. Everything is smothered in melted cheese, creating a hearty, satisfying, and complete meal.
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Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers
This recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Veggies:
· 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 lbs total)
· 3 large bell peppers (use a mix of red, yellow, and orange for color), sliced
· 1 large yellow or red onion, sliced
· 4 cloves garlic, minced
· 2 tablespoons olive oil
· 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
· 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika is excellent here)
· 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided
· ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
· Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
For the Topping:
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (a blend like Italian mix or mozzarella/provolone works great. Cheddar is also delicious.)
· Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Optional for Serving:
· Cooked rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
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Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pound the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness (about ¾-inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
3. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and rub it in. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon of the salt, ¼ teaspoon of the black pepper, the Italian seasoning, and paprika.
4. Prepare the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss the sliced peppers and onions with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Assemble the Bake: Spread the pepper and onion mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large oven-proof skillet. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the bed of peppers.
6. Bake: Bake, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The peppers should be starting to soften and caramelize at the edges.
7. Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and peppers. Return the dish to the oven and turn on the broiler (or set the oven to broil). Broil for 2-4 minutes, watching very closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden in spots.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
9. Serve: Spoon the tender, cheesy chicken and the flavorful baked peppers and onions onto plates. Serve immediately with your chosen sides.
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Tips for a Perfect Bake
· Don’t Skip Pounding: This is the #1 tip to avoid dry, overcooked edges with an undercooked center. Even thickness is key!
· Get Good Color: For extra browning on the chicken, you can sear it in a hot oven-proof skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before placing it on the peppers and baking. This adds great flavor but is an optional step.
· Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes to the pepper mix.
· Creamy Version: For a richer dish, pour ½ cup of heavy cream or a creamy sauce (like Alfredo) over the peppers before adding the chicken. It will create a delicious sauce as it bakes.
· Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. Pulling it out at exactly 165°F guarantees it will be perfectly cooked and juicy.
· Leftovers are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well in the microwave or a 350°F (175°C) oven.
Enjoy this simple, cheesy, and satisfying baked dinner