Description
Hearty spicy monterey jack chicken and peppers bake delivers bold southwestern comfort with zesty flavors and melted cheese. Mexican-inspired ingredients combine for a quick weeknight dinner while satisfying hungry families with robust, spicy goodness you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded (120 g)
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 ½ tsps chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C) and delicately brush a 9×13 inch baking vessel with olive oil to prevent adhesion.
- Seasoning Technique: Craft an explosive spice mixture combining salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, thoroughly massaging the blend into chicken breasts for profound flavor infusion.
- Searing Process: Heat olive oil in a capacious skillet over medium-high flame, expertly caramelizing chicken breasts until a rich golden crust emerges, approximately 3-4 minutes per surface to lock in succulent juices.
- Assembly and Layering: Strategically position seared chicken in the prepared dish, surrounding the protein with vibrant bell peppers and cascading remaining pan essences to amplify the flavor profile.
- Cheese and Spice Elevation: Lavishly blanket the chicken and peppers with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, artfully scattering jalapeño slices for those craving an intense thermal sensation.
- Roasting Finale: Immerse the creation in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, confirming doneness by verifying the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese transforms into a molten, golden landscape.
- Finishing Touch: Unleash a vibrant lime juice cascade and sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, introducing a zesty, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich, spicy composition.
Notes
- Sear for Flavor Sealing: Achieve a golden-brown exterior on chicken by searing in a hot skillet, which locks in moisture and creates a delicious caramelized crust.
- Spice Blend Mastery: Mix your dry spices thoroughly to ensure even distribution, allowing each bite to deliver a consistent and intense flavor profile.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Distribute cheese evenly and place jalapeños strategically to create a perfect balance of melted cheese and spicy heat in every serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg