Description
Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast And Peppers combines juicy seasoned chicken, tender bell peppers, onions, mozzarella, and Parmesan in one easy baking dish. This colorful family dinner takes only 40 minutes and pairs well with rice, pasta, potatoes, or salad.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 bell peppers, any color, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced, optional
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella or mozzarella-cheddar blend
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C.
2. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
3. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared dish.
4. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken.
5. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Rub the oil and seasonings evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.
7. Toss the sliced bell peppers and onion with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
8. Arrange the vegetables around and over the seasoned chicken.
9. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes.
10. Check the thickest part of each chicken breast with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C.
11. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
12. Add the grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Return the baking dish to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and bubbles.
14. Remove the dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
15. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Choose chicken breasts of similar thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking the chicken.
Slice the bell peppers thinly so they soften fully during baking.
Freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than packaged shredded cheese.
Boneless chicken thighs can replace the chicken breasts.
Use red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers, or combine several colors.
Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more vegetables.
Provolone, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or an Italian cheese blend can replace mozzarella.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier result.
Fresh basil or oregano can replace the parsley.
Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, quinoa, vegetables, garlic bread, or salad.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave until the chicken is hot throughout.
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary according to ingredient brands and serving sizes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with peppers and cheese
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg