Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast Peppers (Printable Version)

Tender chicken baked with colorful peppers and melted cheese for a comforting main dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 red bell peppers, cored and sliced into strips
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cored and sliced into strips
04 - 1 green bell pepper, cored and sliced into strips
05 - 1 medium red onion, halved and sliced into half-moons
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

07 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pantry and Seasonings

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb blend
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
02 - Arrange the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the red onion in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, sprinkle with half the kosher salt and black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
03 - Place the chicken breasts on top of the bed of vegetables. Brush with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, rub the minced garlic over each breast, and season generously with the smoked paprika, dried Italian herbs, and the remaining salt and pepper.
04 - Scatter the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the chicken breasts and surrounding vegetables, ensuring full coverage for a golden, bubbly finish.
05 - Bake uncovered on the center rack for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. If the cheese browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes.
06 - Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed rice.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in a single dish, which means cleanup is almost nonexistent and the flavors meld together beautifully in the oven.
  • The combination of smoked paprika and melted mozzarella creates a richness that feels indulgent without much effort at all.
02 -
  • If your chicken breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally or pound them flat, otherwise the outside dries out before the center reaches a safe temperature.
  • Check the labels on your Parmesan cheese for gluten containing additives if you are cooking for someone with celiac sensitivity.
03 -
  • Let the baked dish rest the full five minutes before cutting, because the juices need time to redistribute and the cheese sets slightly for easier serving.
  • Bake uncovered the entire time so the cheese gets those irresistible crispy golden spots that everyone fights over.

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