Cheesy Chicken & Pepper Bake
Looking for a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? My Cheesy Chicken & Pepper Bake could be your new weeknight favorite! This recipe combines creamy cheeses, vibrant peppers, and a kick of Cajun spice wrapped around succulent chicken breasts. Here’s how you can whip up this cheesy delight in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 14 oz mini sweet peppers, seeded, thinly sliced
- 1 (8-oz) block cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnishing
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 (6- to 8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 oz pepper Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for a perfectly baked dish.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 13″ x 9″ baking dish and create a colorful bed of sliced sweet peppers on the bottom.
- Prep the Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese block in half crosswise. Slice one half into 8 rectangles and set aside. With the other half, place it in a bowl, mix in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stuff the Chicken: Dry the chicken breasts with paper towels and make a deep slit on one side to create a pocket. Stuff this pocket with your herbed cream cheese mixture, sealing the edges by pressing firmly. Coat the chicken evenly with Cajun seasoning for that extra spice.
- Assemble in Dish: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the peppers. Top each breast with two slices of the reserved cream cheese and a generous amount of shredded pepper Jack cheese.
- Bake: Cook in the oven until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which should take about 30 minutes.
- Serve with Flair: Once baked, arrange the chicken on a serving platter, spoon the softened peppers and juices over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme leaves for a fresh, herby touch.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 400 per serving
- Servings: 4
This Cheesy Chicken & Pepper Bake not only promises a burst of flavors but also a visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy this delightful meal with a side of rice or bread for a complete dinner experience. Bon appétit!
Cheesy Chicken & Pepper Bake
- Total Time: 40min
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
14 oz mini sweet peppers, seeded, thinly sliced 🌶️
1 (8-oz) block cream cheese 🧀
2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for serving 🌿
Kosher salt 🧂
Freshly ground black pepper 🧂
4 (6- to 8-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️
2 oz pepper Jack cheese, shredded 🧀
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 🔥
2️⃣ Layer the sliced peppers on the bottom of a 13″ x 9″ baking dish. 🍽️
3️⃣ Cut the cream cheese block in half crosswise. Slice one half into 8 rectangular slices; set aside. Transfer the remaining half to a small bowl. Add thyme, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. 🥣
4️⃣ On a cutting board, pat the chicken breasts dry. Cut a slit into the thickest, long side of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff with the cream cheese mixture, then tightly seal with your fingers. Sprinkle the outside of the chicken with Cajun seasoning. 🧂
5️⃣ Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on top of the peppers in the baking dish. Top each breast with 2 slices of the reserved cream cheese. Sprinkle with shredded pepper Jack cheese. 🧀
6️⃣ Bake the chicken until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C), about 30 minutes. ⏳
7️⃣ Arrange the chicken on a platter. Spoon the peppers and juices on top. Top with fresh thyme leaves before serving. 🌿
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 30min
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 Kcal