If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers recipe is an absolute winner. Tender, juicy chicken breasts combined with sweet bell peppers and layered under a blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese make for a dish that’s irresistibly delicious yet surprisingly simple to prepare. Every bite delivers a wonderful mix of textures and tastes that will quickly have this meal on your weeknight rotation. Plus, it’s colorful enough to brighten your plate and your mood!

Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in making your Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers truly shine. Each brings a unique flavor, texture, or color to the dish, creating a perfectly balanced and vibrant meal.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that bakes up tender and juicy, soaking in all the seasonings wonderfully.

Bell peppers: Thinly sliced, they add a sweet crunch and gorgeous bursts of red, yellow, or orange color.
Onion (optional): Thin slices provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the peppers beautifully.

Olive oil: Essential for coating the chicken and veggies, adding richness while helping the seasonings stick.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that livens up the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.

Garlic powder: Adds savory warmth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
Paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and a gentle pop of color to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but crucial for enhancing all the natural flavors.

Shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully into a gooey, elastic topping that’s pure comfort food.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it adds a salty, nutty kick and golden crust.
Fresh parsley: A cheerful, fresh garnish that brightens each serving with a pop of green.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s perfectly hot and ready when you’re done prepping. While it heats, lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in your greased dish and drizzle with half the olive oil. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over each piece. Rub all around so the flavors sink deep into the meat for a juicy, aromatic result.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Peppers and Onions

Toss the sliced bell peppers and onions with the remaining olive oil. Arranging the veggies both around and on top of the chicken lets their sweetness infuse the meat during baking and keeps them nice and tender.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken and Peppers

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20–25 minutes. The goal is for the chicken to reach 165°F (74°C) internally, ensuring it’s cooked through while staying juicy.

Step 5: Cheesy Finale

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the chicken and peppers. Return to the oven for another 3–5 minutes to melt the cheese into a bubbly, golden-topped masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and get ready to enjoy the cozy, cheesy goodness while it’s hot!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a simple but perfect choice to brighten the dish with its fresh flavor and cheerful green color. You might also try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of tangy sweetness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Fluffy white rice or fluffy couscous are fantastic to soak up all those cheesy juices. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus to add a refreshing contrast to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the cheesy baked chicken and peppers over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes, turning it into an indulgent, comforting plate. Alternatively, try layering everything inside warm pita bread or wraps for a casual, hand-held meal that kids and adults will both adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container, and separate portions with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy and the cheese melty. Microwaving works too but can sometimes dry out the chicken, so a low and slow oven method is preferable.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the baking time slightly, since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

No problem! You can create your own with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Even just a combination of oregano and basil will give great flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese topping altogether. The chicken and peppers are flavorful enough to still be delicious without cheese.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can season the chicken and slice the vegetables a day before. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake on the day you plan to serve for the best freshness and texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of a breast; the juices should run clear with no pink.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers recipe is such a cozy, flavorful dish that’s bound to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights, but impressive enough to serve guests. Give it a whirl and enjoy a perfect balance of tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and ooey-gooey cheese that simply can’t be beat!

Cheesy Baked Chicken breast and Peppers Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 13 reviews

Author: lina

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Cheesy Baked Chicken Breast with colorful bell peppers, seasoned perfectly and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner that combines protein and veggies in one flavorful bake.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Season chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the greased baking dish. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the chicken, then evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides. Rub the seasonings into the chicken to coat thoroughly.

Add peppers and onions: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced bell peppers and onions with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the vegetables evenly around and on top of the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
Add cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and peppers. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Serve hot: Once the cheese has melted, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with your choice of rice, pasta, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Feel free to use any color combination of bell peppers for a vibrant presentation.

If you prefer, omit the onion or substitute with shallots or green onions.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly without drying out.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve juiciness.

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: 370 kcal
Sugar: 5 g

Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g

Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g

Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: cheesy baked chicken, chicken breast recipe, baked bell peppers and chicken, easy chicken dinner, mozzarella chicken bake