Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken And Peppers Recipe

Irresistible Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling skillets and aromatic marinades set the stage for this mouthwatering cheesy baked chicken and peppers recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Bold flavors mingle effortlessly with tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers, creating a dish that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

The combination of melted cheese and perfectly roasted ingredients turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary.

Juicy chicken nestles alongside colorful peppers, each bite delivering a burst of savory goodness.

Simple ingredients work their magic, producing a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this delectable and easy-to-prepare culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

How to Bake This Savory Chicken Dish

  • Oven Warmup Kitchen feels cozy as the temperature rises to create the perfect cooking environment for this mouthwatering dish.
  • Seasoning Magic Chicken transforms with a dance of spices, creating an irresistible aroma that fills the entire kitchen.
  • Pepper Paradise Colorful bell peppers join the party, adding a vibrant crunch and sweet undertones to the main attraction.
  • Cheese Cascade Melty cheddar and parmesan rain down, creating a golden blanket of deliciousness that promises to make taste buds dance.
  • Baking Brilliance The dish enters its final stage of transformation, turning golden and bubbling with excitement in the oven.
  • Herbal Finale Fresh parsley sprinkles like green confetti, adding a burst of freshness and visual appeal to the completed masterpiece.
  • Serving Celebration Plates are filled with a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that transforms an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers Ingredients

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh, high-quality cuts for best flavor and texture.
For Herbs and Spices:
  • Garlic, Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic blend that infuses the chicken with warm, zesty notes, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality dried herbs for maximum taste.
For Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful, crisp vegetable that adds sweetness and crunch, select vibrant, firm peppers with glossy skin for optimal freshness.
For Oils and Fats:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base that helps distribute flavors and keeps chicken moist, use extra virgin for best quality.
For Cheese Topping:
  • Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, tangy layer that creates irresistible golden-brown crust, choose freshly grated cheeses for superior melting.
For Garnish:
  • Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and subtle herbaceous finish, select vibrant green leaves for maximum visual appeal.

Tools to Bake a Colorful Cheesy Chicken Tray

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining chicken, spices, and oil for even coating.
  • 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Essential for baking the chicken and peppers evenly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices like paprika and oregano.
  • Knife: Needed for slicing bell peppers and chopping parsley.
  • Cheese Grater: Great for shredding cheddar and grating parmesan cheese.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and spread them in the baking dish.
  • Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot dishes from the oven.

Tips for Extra Cheesy or Spicy Results

  • Swap out cheddar for pepper jack or gouda to create a unique cheese twist that elevates the entire dish's taste experience.
  • Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for those who love a subtle heat kick that complements the cheesy chicken base.
  • Replace bell peppers with zucchini or cauliflower florets to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the recipe's delicious essence.
  • Marinate chicken in the seasoning mixture up to 24 hours before cooking to intensify flavor absorption and create a more tender meat texture.
  • Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a richer, more moist protein option that stays incredibly juicy during baking.

Serving Chicken and Peppers the Right Way

  • Pair with Zesty Grain Side: Serve over fluffy quinoa or brown rice to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add extra nutrients to your meal.
  • Refresh with Crisp Salad: Complement the rich chicken by adding a light, tangy green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors and provide a fresh contrast.
  • Create Family-Style Platter: Arrange the cheesy chicken and peppers on a large platter, allowing everyone to serve themselves and enjoy the vibrant colors and aromas together.
  • Elevate with Quick Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty French bread to help mop up the flavorful juices and cheese from the dish.

Storing Chicken and Pepper Trays Without Drying

  • Maximize Freshness and Flavor
  • Store leftover chicken and peppers in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum taste and texture.
  • Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain the cheesy dish's deliciousness.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the chicken tender and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze for Future Meals
  • Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil for convenient storage up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the original flavors and textures.
  • Quick Meal Prep Strategy
  • Prepare chicken and pepper mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Chop vegetables and measure spices in advance to streamline cooking process during busy weeknights.
  • Smart Serving Suggestions
  • Pair with rice, quinoa, or mixed green salad for a complete and nutritious meal.
  • Slice chicken into smaller pieces for easy lunch meal prep or kids' portions.
Print
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Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken And Peppers Recipe

Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken And Peppers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican-inspired cheesy baked chicken and peppers deliver bold comfort flavors with minimal kitchen effort. Fresh ingredients combine effortlessly for hearty weeknight dinners you would happily savor again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
  • 2 garlic cloves (chopped)
  • 1 cup (8 oz) cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • ½ cup (4 oz) parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and ready a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Marination: Whisk together minced garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil in a large mixing bowl to create an aromatic seasoning blend.
  3. Coating: Immerse chicken breasts in the marinade, thoroughly massaging the herbs and spices into the meat, then fold sliced bell peppers into the mixture, ensuring complete flavor integration.
  4. Assembly: Elegantly arrange the marinated chicken and peppers in a single layer within the prepared casserole dish, creating an even distribution for consistent cooking.
  5. Cheese Topping: Lavishly sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and peppers, creating a rich, golden blanket that will melt and caramelize during baking.
  6. Baking: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature and cheese turns into a molten, golden crust.
  7. Finishing: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, allowing the herb’s vibrant green to contrast with the dish’s warm, golden hues.
  8. Serving: Present immediately while steaming hot, inviting diners to enjoy the harmonious blend of succulent chicken, sweet peppers, and indulgent melted cheese.

Notes

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in the seasoning mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking to enhance taste absorption and tenderness.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Use room temperature cheese for more even melting and sprinkle in layers for better coverage and golden-brown finish.
  • Temperature Precision Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Pepper Selection Tip: Choose bell peppers of similar size for uniform cooking and vibrant color contrast in the final dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 440
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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