Quick & Zesty Cheesy Baked Chicken And Peppers Recipe

Cheesy baked chicken and peppers promise a tantalizing meal that redefines ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this simple yet satisfying dish that blends protein and vibrant vegetables.

Melted cheese creates a golden, irresistible layer that elevates the entire culinary experience.

Weeknight dinners demand quick solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation time.

Bold seasonings and carefully selected ingredients ensure each bite bursts with mouth-watering goodness.

Crispy edges, tender meat, and a rich, creamy texture guarantee a crowd-pleasing meal that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Families and food lovers will appreciate the delicious balance of hearty protein and colorful peppers.

What Makes Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers So Satisfying

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines zesty garlic, smoky paprika, and aromatic oregano to create a mouthwatering chicken dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: With just 30 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality taste without complicated techniques or lengthy kitchen work.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Melted cheddar and parmesan create a golden, crispy topping that adds rich, creamy texture and irresistible savory notes to tender chicken and colorful bell peppers.
• Nutritious and Colorful Meal: Packed with lean protein from chicken and vibrant bell peppers, this dish offers a balanced, wholesome dinner that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for family meals or casual entertaining.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, best when fresh and at room temperature before cooking.

• Garlic: Adds robust flavor and aromatic depth to the chicken.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly sweet taste and beautiful reddish color.
• Oregano: Classic herb that enhances Mediterranean-style chicken flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced and enhanced taste.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetable that adds sweetness, crunch, and nutritional value to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat chicken, promotes even seasoning, and adds healthy fat.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Provide rich, melty, savory layer that creates golden-brown, crispy top.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright color and light herbal finish to the dish.

How to Bake Cheesy Chicken and Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F, getting ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Chicken breasts
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil

Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is perfectly coated with the flavorful seasoning.

Step 3: Add the Peppers

Slice bell peppers and fold them into the seasoned chicken mixture, creating a colorful and vibrant dish.

Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish

Transfer the chicken and pepper mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese

Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be completely cooked through, and the cheese should be melted and bubbling with golden-brown edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your mouthwatering cheesy baked chicken and peppers!

Tips for a Perfect Chicken Bake

• Choose Fresh Peppers: Select vibrant, firm bell peppers in different colors for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
• Slice Evenly: Cut chicken and peppers into uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
• Avoid Cheese Burning: Cover with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent cheese from over-browning.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Customize Seasoning: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the dish's overall taste profile.

Keeping Chicken and Peppers Fresh

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover chicken and peppers into an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the dish covered to maintain moisture and prevent contamination.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety and preserving the dish's delicious cheesy texture.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Flavorful Matches for Cheesy Baked Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complements the cheesy chicken's richness, cutting through the dish's creamy texture with its bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden potatoes seasoned with garlic and rosemary provide a perfect starchy side that soaks up the delicious cheesy sauce and adds textural contrast.
• Create a Fresh Mediterranean Salad: A light salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a lemony vinaigrette balances the heavy, rich flavors of the cheesy chicken, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, melted cheese.
• Match with Buttery Chardonnay: An oaked chardonnay mirrors the dish's creamy cheese profile, enhancing the chicken's savory flavors and creating a harmonious dining experience.

Variations to Try with Chicken and Peppers

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace paprika with chili powder and add diced jalapeños for a fiery kick. Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to enhance the heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Substitute oregano with fresh rosemary and thyme. Use feta cheese instead of cheddar and add sliced Kalamata olives for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Skip bell peppers and use zucchini or cauliflower instead. Choose high-fat cheeses like gouda or gruyère and increase olive oil for keto-friendly macros.
• Creamy Italian Fusion: Mix in cream cheese with cheddar for extra richness. Add Italian seasoning and top with fresh basil leaves after baking for a creamy, herbaceous profile.

Cheesy Baked Chicken And Peppers Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sumptuous Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers blend savory chicken with melted cheese and colorful bell peppers. Hearty Mediterranean-inspired flavors create a simple yet irresistible dinner that comforts and satisfies you in one delightful dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped

Seasonings and Cheese:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and prepare a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) casserole dish.
2. Create a flavorful marinade by blending minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Nestle the chicken breasts into the seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the aromatic herbs and spices.
4. Slice bell peppers into vibrant, uniform strips and gently fold them into the marinated chicken, allowing the flavors to intermingle.
5. Transfer the herb-infused chicken and pepper medley into the prepared casserole dish, arranging the ingredients in a uniform layer to promote even cooking.
6. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a luxurious, melty blanket over the chicken and peppers.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crown.
8. Extract the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant pop of color and herbaceous aroma.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, allowing diners to savor the harmonious blend of tender chicken, sweet peppers, and melted cheese.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by thoroughly coating chicken with herbs and spices before baking, ensuring each bite is seasoned perfectly.
• Select fresh bell peppers in vibrant colors for a visually appealing and nutritionally rich dish that adds natural sweetness.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and juicy results every time.
• Layer cheese generously on top, allowing it to create a golden, crispy crust that melts beautifully over the chicken and peppers.
• Prep ingredients quickly beforehand to streamline cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time during meal preparation.
• Customize dish by experimenting with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 2.5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg