Welcome to a mouth-watering journey where simplicity meets taste in the form of Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers. This recipe is a treasure for those who cherish the warmth of a home-cooked meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and boost your culinary repertoire.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
To bring this dish to life, you’ll need the following 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
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a cheesy masterpiece:
- Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This optimal temperature ensures the perfect balance of a golden-brown cheese topping and thoroughly cooked chicken.
- Season and Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken breasts, chopped garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper with olive oil. Mix well to ensure each chicken piece is evenly coated with the spices, infusing them with flavors.
- Add the Peppers: Introduce the sliced bell peppers to the seasoned chicken, tossing them together to marry the flavors and colors.
- Assemble in Dish: Transfer the chicken and pepper mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly to ensure a uniform bake.
- Cheese it Up: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese over the chicken and peppers, creating a layer that will melt into a bubbly, golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is irresistibly melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a touch of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, dive into the cheesy goodness, and watch as this dish becomes a new favorite!
Why This Recipe Works
Nutritional Value: This dish balances lean protein from the chicken breasts with the vitamins and antioxidants found in bell peppers, making it a healthy yet satisfying option.
Flavor Fusion: The combination of paprika, oregano, garlic, and three types of bell peppers creates a symphony of flavors that enhance the natural taste of the chicken, while the melted cheese adds a creamy, indulgent texture.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors of the red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only make this dish a feast for the eyes but also entice the palate even before the first bite.
Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible to chefs of all skill levels, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
