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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with peppers and cheese
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Cheesy baked chicken, chicken and peppers, baked chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food