Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast with Peppers is a simple, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken, sweet peppers, and melty cheese for a comforting dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 bell peppers (any color, thinly sliced)
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced, optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or a mozzarella-cheddar blend)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the dish and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning onto both sides of the chicken.
3. Step 3: Toss the sliced bell peppers and onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange them around and over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken and peppers.
6. Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a side salad.

Tips & Variations

• Use different cheese blends like cheddar or provolone for varied flavor.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• For extra moisture, marinate the chicken in olive oil and seasonings for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap bell peppers for sliced mushrooms or zucchini for a different vegetable option.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing the dish.

What can I serve with cheesy baked chicken and peppers?

This dish goes well with steamed rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked with colorful bell peppers and onions, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients with an effortless baking method to deliver a delicious and cheesy entrée.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

Vegetables

• 2 bell peppers (any color, thinly sliced)
• 1 small onion (thinly sliced, optional)

Cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or mozzarella-cheddar blend)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Season chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings evenly on both sides to fully coat the chicken.
3. Add peppers and onions: In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced bell peppers and onion with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the vegetable mixture around and on top of the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
4. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
5. Add cheese: Remove the baking dish from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and peppers. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve hot: Garnish the cheesy baked chicken and peppers with fresh parsley and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a side salad.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Feel free to use any color of bell peppers to customize the visual appeal and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• For a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cheesy baked chicken, baked chicken breasts, chicken and peppers, mozzarella chicken, easy chicken dinner, baked chicken recipe