Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers Recipe

Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers is a vibrant and flavorful dish that is both simple to make and delightful to eat. This dish combines the juiciness of chicken breasts with the sweet and earthy flavors of bell peppers, all topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. The addition of garlic, paprika, and oregano adds depth and warmth to the dish, making it a comforting meal for any day of the week. This dish not only tastes delicious but also presents beautifully with its colorful array of peppers and golden cheese topping.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Preparation:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and chopped garlic, sautéing until the peppers are tender and slightly browned.
3. Brown Chicken: In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, just to brown them. You don’t need to cook them through at this point.
4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the browned chicken and sautéed peppers to a baking dish. Arrange the peppers around and on top of the chicken breasts.
5. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheeses evenly over the chicken and peppers.
6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked chicken and peppers with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

COOKING Note:

• Keep an eye on the cheese as it bakes to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t burn.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this dish with a side of rice, quinoa, or a light salad.
• For a low-carb option, pair it with steamed vegetables or a cauliflower mash.

Tips:

• You can use a mix of different cheeses for more flavor complexity, such as mozzarella or provolone.
• If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes over the chicken before baking.
• To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, try to use breasts that are about the same size and thickness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 per serving (varies depending on the size of the chicken breasts and type of cheese used)
• Protein: About 30-35g per serving (mainly from the chicken and cheese)
• Sodium: Roughly 500-600mg per serving (depends on the amount of salt and type of cheese used)

Conclusion: Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers is a delightful dish that combines the simplicity of baked chicken with the robust flavors of bell peppers and a rich, cheesy topping. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with its colorful presentation. It's a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit various dietary needs and preferences, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.