Name: Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings! Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 2 bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with vibrant bell peppers, all smothered in gooey melted cheddar cheese and rich marinara sauce. It’s the perfect meal to bring family and friends together, offering a flavorful experience that’s simple enough for any weeknight but special enough to be a new favorite.

Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this dish is a masterclass in simple but essential flavors. Each item plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of color, taste, and texture that makes this meal so satisfying.

4 chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy when baked and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
2 bell peppers, sliced: They add a sweet crunch and vibrant color that brightens every bite.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, lending rich creaminess and that irresistible cheesy pull.
1 cup marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, herby tomato base that perfectly complements the chicken and peppers.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Ensures everything bakes beautifully without sticking and adds subtle richness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm, savory depth that enhances the overall taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness that rounds out the seasoning.
Salt to taste: Essential for balancing and boosting all the flavors.
Pepper to taste: Adds a hint of heat and complexity to the dish.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings!

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, drizzle olive oil evenly in your baking dish and arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer. This creates a base that will keep your chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks.

Step 2: Season Everything Just Right

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts. This seasoning combo provides a subtle but essential flavor foundation, making each bite savory and exciting without overwhelming the natural chicken taste.

Step 3: Add Bell Peppers for Color and Crunch

Lay the sliced bell peppers over the chicken. These not only contribute a pop of color but also a satisfying crisp texture that contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the baked chicken and melted cheese.

Step 4: Spoon on the Marinara Sauce

Pour your marinara sauce generously over the chicken and peppers. This sauce is the heart of the dish, lending its bright tomato flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

Step 5: Top with Cheddar Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly layer that makes this dish irresistibly comforting and indulgent.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. The oven magic transforms simple ingredients into a cohesive, hearty meal that everyone will crave.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Allow your Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings! a few minutes to rest after baking. This lets all the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings!

Garnishes

Brighten your dish with a handful of fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley. Sprinkle them on just before serving to add a fresh aroma and a lovely color contrast that makes your meal look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a crisp green salad. The sides offer neutral flavors and textures that let the cheesy baked chicken and peppers shine as the center of your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special touch, serve this dish family-style in the baking dish itself, inviting everyone to dig in together. Alternatively, plate it with a drizzle of extra marinara sauce and a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese and herbs for a restaurant-quality look right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it an even better meal the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Just assemble and bake as directed, then cool completely before placing in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to keep the chicken tender and the cheese melty. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the oven helps maintain the dish’s original texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar offers great meltiness and flavor, mozzarella or a blend of Italian cheeses can also work beautifully for a different taste profile.

What if I want to add more vegetables?

Feel free to toss in sliced zucchini, onions, or mushrooms along with the bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor variety without overpowering the dish.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep. Make a batch ahead, portion it out, and you’ll have a wholesome, comforting lunch or dinner ready in minutes throughout the week.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender as well, just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat with your cheesy baked chicken and peppers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like home, easy to make, and packed with comforting flavors, don’t wait to try Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings! It’s a delicious way to bring joy to your table with minimal fuss and maximum heartiness. I promise once you try it, it will become one of your go-to family favorites.

Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers: 7 Comforting Servings! Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 7 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers recipe offers a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are topped with vibrant bell peppers, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheddar cheese, baked to perfection for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

4 chicken breasts
2 bell peppers, sliced

Sauce and Cheese

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Oil

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure a perfectly cooked chicken and melted cheese.
Prepare Baking Dish: Drizzle olive oil evenly into a baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor, then place the chicken breasts in the dish.
Season Chicken: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts to enhance their flavor.
Add Bell Peppers: Top each chicken breast evenly with the sliced bell peppers, distributing them for balanced taste and texture.
Pour Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and peppers, making sure everything is covered in the savory tomato base.
Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, which will melt and create a deliciously gooey crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and to avoid burns.

Notes

You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend for a different flavor profile.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Bell peppers can be varied in color for a more vibrant presentation.
Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Serve with rice, pasta, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American