Description
Spicy Monterey Jack Chicken and Peppers Bake delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Juicy chicken nestled with bell peppers and zesty cheese creates a simple yet bold meal that satisfies hearty appetites with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Seasonings and Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Create a robust spice blend by mixing salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to generously coat the chicken breasts, ensuring deep flavor penetration.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully sear the seasoned chicken breasts until they develop a golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side to seal in moisture.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, arranging the sliced bell peppers around the meat and drizzling any remaining pan drippings for additional flavor enhancement.
- Distribute shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly across the chicken and peppers, strategically placing sliced jalapeños on top for those seeking an extra spicy kick.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, verifying the chicken is fully cooked by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Complete the dish by drizzling fresh lime juice over the baked creation and garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro to introduce a bright, herbaceous note.
Notes
- Prep ahead by seasoning chicken thoroughly, ensuring each piece is generously coated with spices for maximum flavor intensity.
- Searing chicken in skillet before baking creates a delicious golden crust, sealing in moisture and developing rich, caramelized notes.
- Choose fresh, vibrant bell peppers that complement the spicy Monterey Jack cheese and add beautiful color to the dish.
- Jalapeños are optional but provide an extra kick of heat for those who love spicy food; adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein without drying out the meat.
- Fresh lime juice and cilantro added at the end brighten the entire dish, cutting through richness and providing a zesty, fresh finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg