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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
- 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.
- Distribute pickled pepper rings evenly across the top of each seasoned chicken breast, creating a colorful and tangy layer.
- Liberally sprinkle mozzarella and pepper jack cheese over the peppered chicken, covering the surface completely for a rich, melted cheese topping.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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