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
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and ready a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assembly: Elegantly arrange the marinated chicken and peppers in a single layer within the prepared casserole dish, creating an even distribution for consistent cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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