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### Instructions
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Season the Chicken
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for baking the chicken until it’s tender and juicy, while also allowing the peppers and onions to cook and soften.
2. **Season the Chicken**: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, which will help them sear nicely. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, and then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over both sides of the chicken. Rub the seasonings into the chicken so that it’s evenly coated.
#### Step 2: Sear the Chicken and Cook the Veggies
1. **Sear the Chicken**: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this point, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
2. **Sauté the Veggies**: Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir and sauté them for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly and pick up any remaining flavors from the chicken. You want the peppers and onions to be just a little tender before the baking step.
#### Step 3: Bake the Dish
1. **Combine Chicken and Veggies**: After sautéing the peppers and onions, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Nestle them in the bed of peppers and onions.
2. **Top with Cheese**: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over each piece of chicken, making sure each breast gets a nice layer of cheese.
3. **Bake**: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbling. This step ensures that the chicken is cooked through, the cheese has a beautiful golden melt, and the peppers and onions become tender and flavorful.
#### Step 4: Garnish and Serve
1. **Garnish**: Once the cheesy baked chicken and peppers are out of the oven, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness.
2. **Serve**: Serve the cheesy chicken and peppers hot with your favorite side dishes. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. The combination of juicy chicken, sautéed peppers, onions, and melty cheese makes for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy.
### Tips for Success
– **Customize the Cheese**: While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, gouda, or provolone. Mixing different cheeses can add complexity and richness to the dish.
– **Add Spice**: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the peppers and onions before baking. This will give the dish a delightful kick that complements the creamy cheese.
– **One-Pan Wonder**: To keep things simple, use an oven-safe skillet for the entire process. It minimizes cleanup and helps all the flavors meld together in one pan.
– **Make It Low-Carb**: If you’re following a low-carb diet, skip the rice or potatoes and serve the chicken with a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables for a healthy, filling meal.
– **Use Bone-In Chicken**: If you prefer bone-in chicken for more flavor, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in chicken will take a bit longer to cook.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– **Simple and Quick**: This dish is incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep and just one skillet required. You can have a complete, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights.
– **Comforting and Flavorful**: The tender, juicy chicken, flavorful sautéed peppers, and melty cheese make for a comforting, savory dish that everyone will enjoy. The combination of textures—from the crispy chicken skin to the tender vegetables—adds depth and satisfaction.
– **Versatile**: Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting guests, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can serve it as-is or pair it with your favorite sides.
– **Healthy-ish**: With a generous serving of vegetables, lean chicken, and moderate amounts of cheese, this dish strikes a nice balance between indulgent and nutritious. It’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies while still enjoying comfort food.
### Conclusion
**Cheesy Baked Chicken and Peppers** is the perfect combination of savory, cheesy, and satisfying—ideal for any occasion. With juicy chicken, sautéed peppers and onions, and a gooey cheese topping, it’s a one-pan meal that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or making a meal to share with friends and family, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy the flavors of cheesy, baked perfection in every bite!
