Cheesy Chicken & Bell Pepper Oven Bake

Table of Contents

Cheesy Chicken & Bell Pepper Oven Bake is a simple, family friendly dish that combines tender chicken, sweet roasted peppers, and a rich blanket of melted cheese. It is perfect for busy weeknights because everything cooks together in one dish, saving time and cleanup. The peppers add natural sweetness while the seasoning keeps the flavor warm and savory. This recipe is flexible enough for different diets and easy to customize with whatever vegetables or cheese you have on hand. Serve it with rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a satisfying meal that feels comforting without being complicated.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed

3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

½ cup cream or milk

2 tablespoons tomato paste or pizza sauce

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix chicken with olive oil and all dry seasonings.

Add sliced peppers, onion, and garlic to the bowl and toss well.

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine cream and tomato paste until smooth.

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove foil, stir gently, and sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar on top.

Return to oven uncovered and bake 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked and cheese is bubbly.

Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Tips

Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.

Use colorful peppers for better flavor balance.

Fresh garlic adds stronger aroma than powdered.

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure roasting.

Add cheese only near the end to prevent burning.

Taste seasoning before baking and adjust salt if needed.

Use full fat cheese for smoother melting.

Let the dish rest before serving to thicken the sauce.

A glass or ceramic baking dish cooks evenly.

Broil for 2 minutes at the end if you like golden cheese.

Variations

Swap chicken with turkey or tofu cubes.

Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.

Use spicy pepper jack cheese for heat.

Replace cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Add cooked pasta to make it a baked casserole.

Include olives and feta for a Mediterranean twist.

Use barbecue sauce instead of tomato paste for smoky flavor.

Add cooked rice underneath for a one dish meal.

Mix in spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes.

Use lactose free cheese and milk for dairy sensitive diets.

Q&A

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes, they stay juicy and flavorful.

Can I prepare ahead?

Assemble earlier and refrigerate until baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.

Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 420
Protein: 36g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 480mg

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken & Bell Pepper Oven Bake is a dependable comfort meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken, roasted peppers, and creamy melted cheese makes it both hearty and satisfying. Because the recipe is flexible, you can easily adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you are cooking for family dinners, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, this oven bake offers a practical and delicious solution that will quickly become a regular favorite in your kitchen.