Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Win

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy baked chicken breast promises pure comfort on your dinner plate.

Succulent pieces of meat pair perfectly with vibrant bell peppers.

Every bite delivers a symphony of melted cheese and savory flavors.

Home cooks appreciate simple yet delicious meals that come together quickly.

Weeknight dinners demand something satisfying without complicated preparation steps.

Crispy edges and tender chicken make this recipe a real winner.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers That Impress

• Spice Up Your Meal: Transform ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed dish with a vibrant blend of seasonings that dance on your taste buds, making every bite exciting and delicious.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Indulge in a mouthwatering combination of melted mozzarella and pepper jack cheese that creates a gooey, irresistible topping guaranteed to satisfy cheese cravings.
• Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort, using basic ingredients and a straightforward baking method that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen time.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe easily by swapping cheeses, adjusting seasonings, or pairing with different sides to create a personalized dinner that suits your mood and preferences.

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast and Peppers

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein source that serves as the main component of this flavorful dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: A harmonious mix of spices that adds depth and complexity to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps to distribute seasonings evenly and keeps the chicken moist during baking.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese: Creamy cheeses that melt beautifully and provide a rich, tangy layer of flavor.
• Pickled Pepper Rings: Adds a zesty and slightly tangy element to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: A bright green garnish that provides a fresh finish and visual appeal.

How to Prepare Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Heat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season Chicken Breasts

Lay chicken breasts in the prepared dish. Drizzle with olive oil to help seasonings stick and add moisture.

• Salt
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian herb mix

Massage the seasonings gently into the chicken to maximize flavor absorption.

Step 3: Layer Peppers and Cheese

Distribute pickled pepper rings evenly over the seasoned chicken.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepper jack cheese

Ensure the cheese covers most of the chicken surface for maximum melty goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The cheese should be bubbling and turning a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately alongside cauliflower rice or your favorite side dish.

Tips to Nail Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers

• Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges. Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a delicious crust.
• Try cheese varieties like provolone or cheddar for different flavor profiles. Layer cheese strategically to get maximum melty goodness and golden-brown texture.
• Select fresh, crisp bell peppers or swap pickled peppers for roasted ones to add smoky depth. Drain peppers thoroughly to prevent excess moisture ruining the dish's consistency.
• Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking that leads to tough chicken. Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes after baking to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.

Variations to Customize Chicken and Peppers

• Herb-Crusted Chicken Alternative: Replace Italian seasoning with a mixture of fresh thyme, rosemary, and sage for an aromatic herb-infused flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zesty Option: Swap pepper jack cheese with aged cheddar and use roasted green chiles instead of pickled peppers for a lower-carbohydrate version.
• Mediterranean-Style Variation: Top chicken with crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, and diced sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and sprinkle with dairy-free herb-seasoned nutritional yeast flakes for a cheesy-like flavor without dairy.

Pairing Ideas for Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers

• Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the dish's cheesy and peppery flavors, cutting through the richness and enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Create a colorful side of roasted zucchini, asparagus, and bell peppers tossed in olive oil and herbs, which will mirror the pepper notes in the chicken and provide a balanced, nutritious accompaniment.
• Prepare a light quinoa salad with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette to add freshness and provide a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy chicken.

Storage Advice for Chicken and Peppers

• Seal leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly closed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature periodically to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella and pepper jack cheese are recommended for their melting qualities and flavor profile. These cheeses create a creamy, slightly spicy topping that complements the chicken perfectly.

• Can I use fresh peppers instead of pickled pepper rings?

Yes, you can substitute pickled peppers with fresh bell peppers or jalapeños. Fresh peppers will add a different flavor and texture to the dish while maintaining the overall taste structure.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. This makes it convenient for quick weeknight dinners or preparing meals in advance for the week.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist during baking?

The combination of olive oil coating, seasoning, and precise baking time helps keep the chicken breasts juicy.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast And Peppers Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican-inspired cheesy baked chicken breast and peppers deliver robust southwestern flavors with simple ingredients. Bold spices and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts (medium-sized or 2 large, halved lengthwise)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup pickled pepper rings
• 2 tsps olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Parsley (finely chopped, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then generously season both sides with a mixture of salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
4. Distribute pickled pepper rings evenly across the top of each seasoned chicken breast, creating a colorful and tangy layer.
5. Liberally sprinkle mozzarella and pepper jack cheese over the peppered chicken, covering the surface completely for a rich, melted cheese topping.
6. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
7. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set and the flavors to meld together.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness, then serve immediately alongside cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken breasts are of uniform thickness by gently pounding them to create even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Select high-quality cheese with good melting properties like sharp mozzarella and spicy pepper jack for maximum flavor complexity.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more crisp exterior during baking.
• For low-carb dieters, replace pepper rings with fresh bell pepper slices and skip any sugary pickled varieties.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 324 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg