As a busy parent, I know the challenge of making a tasty, healthy dinner fast. That’s why I’m excited to share this quick and easy chicken and bell pepper recipe. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights. In just 30 minutes, you can make a flavorful, low-carb, and family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
This recipe stands out because of the juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thighs and the vibrant bell peppers. The chicken is seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This gives it a delicious flavor. When you add the sweet and crunchy bell peppers, you get a dish that’s both satisfying and balanced.
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Why This Skillet Recipe Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
Prepare to wow your family with this tasty healthy chicken meals recipe! It’s a quick and easy skillet recipe that’s also great for your health. It’s a hit with families because of its many benefits.
Health Benefits and Dietary Compatibility
This one pot meals dish is full of good stuff. It has lean chicken and lots of vitamins and minerals from bell peppers. It’s a healthy choice that’s good for everyone.
- Provides 366 calories per serving, making it a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Offers 51g of protein per serving to support muscle growth and maintenance.
- Contains just 7g of carbohydrates per serving, making it suitable for low-carb diets.
- Delivers a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the bell peppers and onions.
Time-Saving Advantages
Today, finding time to cook a meal can be tough. This skillet recipe is a lifesaver. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, with only 5 minutes of prep. Say hello to quick, healthy meals.
Cost-Effective Meal Solution
Good food doesn’t have to cost a lot. This healthy chicken meals recipe uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs and bell peppers. It’s a budget-friendly option for the whole family.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Bell Pepper Recipe
To make a tasty chicken and bell pepper dish, you need a few key ingredients. Start with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicy meat. Add a mix of red and orange bell peppers, sliced into small pieces. Don’t forget a diced red onion and minced garlic for more flavor.
The spices you’ll need are paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These will add a savory and aromatic taste to your dish. If you like a bit of heat, add red chili flakes.
You’ll also need olive oil to help the ingredients sear and caramelize. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish, adding a fresh, fragrant touch.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 8 oz (250g) |
| Red bell pepper, sliced | 1 medium |
| Orange bell pepper, sliced | 1 medium |
| Red onion, diced | 1/2 medium |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Red chili flakes (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) | As needed |
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious chicken recipes and bell pepper recipes. It will be a hit with your family and a new favorite dish.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make a tasty baked chicken and bell pepper dish, you need some basic kitchen tools. The right cookware and measuring tools are crucial. They help ensure your recipe turns out great.
Essential Cookware
A large, oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan is key. It should fit the chicken, peppers, and other ingredients well. This cookware is great because it works on the stovetop and in the oven.
Optional but Helpful Tools
- An instant-read thermometer is essential. It helps you know when the chicken is cooked just right, keeping it moist and flavorful.
- Kitchen tongs are handy for flipping the chicken and veggies while they cook.
Measuring Equipment
Getting the flavors right is all about precise measurements. Make sure you have measuring cups and spoons to measure everything accurately. This includes the chicken, veggies, seasonings, and herbs.
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 8 oz (2 cups cooked) |
| Bell Peppers | 6 halves (3 peppers) |
| Red Onion | 1 medium |
| Skillet Size | 12-inch or larger |
| Tzatziki Sauce | 5 oz Greek yogurt |
| Mixing Bowl | Medium size |
With the right kitchen tools for chicken recipes, you’re ready to make a delicious baked chicken and bell pepper dish. Your family will love it.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Learning to cook chicken and bell peppers is simple. Just follow these easy steps to make a tasty meal quickly:
- Start by drying the chicken thighs with paper towels for a good sear. Season them with salt, onion powder, chili powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When hot, add the seasoned chicken. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.
- Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, cook the diced onions and bell peppers for 5-7 minutes until they soften.
- Put the chicken back in the skillet with the vegetables. Move the skillet to a 400°F oven. Bake for 15-25 minutes until the chicken is 165°F inside.
- After the chicken is cooked, take the skillet out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken and bell peppers hot, with fresh herbs if you like.
By following these steps, you’ll make a tasty and healthy how to cook chicken and bell peppers dish. Searing the chicken first adds flavor. Then, the oven cooks the chicken and bell peppers perfectly.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 634 kcal |
| Protein | 52g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Sodium | 3491mg |
| Carbohydrates | 54g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 37g |
Seasoning and Marinade Tips for Maximum Flavor
Make your chicken and bell pepper dish taste amazing with these easy tips. The right spices and a great marinade can turn your chicken into a delicious treat.
Spice Combinations for Flavor Boost
Begin by seasoning your chicken with a mix of spices. Use paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This mix gives a strong, savory taste that goes well with bell peppers.
Marinade Timing Guidelines
Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 24 hours for the best flavor. The longer it marinates, the tastier it gets. But don’t marinate for more than 6 hours to keep the meat firm.
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
- Add freshness by mixing in chopped herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- Make it spicier by adding red chili flakes or ground chili pepper to the marinade.
- For sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar to the marinade.
With these seasoning and marinade tips, you’ll make your chicken and bell pepper dish incredibly flavorful. Try different spice mixes and marinades to find your family’s favorite.
How to Choose and Prepare Bell Peppers
Choosing the right bell peppers is crucial for tasty bell pepper recipes. Look for firm, brightly colored bell peppers without blemishes or soft spots. Red and orange peppers are sweeter than green ones, making them a favorite for many preparing bell peppers.
To get your peppers ready, start by washing them well. Next, use a sharp knife to remove the stem, seeds, and membranes. This makes a perfect space for stuffing. Also, slice the peppers and onions into the same size pieces for even cooking.
| Bell Pepper Color | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|
| Green | Less sweet, more bitter |
| Red | Sweeter, more mature flavor |
| Orange | Slightly sweet, vibrant color |
| Yellow | Mild, slightly sweet taste |
By following these steps, you’ll make delicious bell pepper recipes. These recipes will highlight the fresh, vibrant flavors of these versatile veggies.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The chicken and bell pepper dish is versatile. You can serve it over white rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal. For a low-carb choice, pair it with a fresh salad.
Side Dish Options
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Spinach salad with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic-infused dinner rolls or crusty bread
Garnishing Ideas
Enhance the dish with fresh garnishes. Try adding chopped fresh basil, parsley, toasted sesame seeds, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
For a twist, serve it in warm sandwich rolls with melted cheese. It’s like a chicken Philly cheesesteak.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Protein | 34g |
| Fat | 37g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g |
| Cholesterol | 152mg |
| Sodium | 937mg |
| Potassium | 598mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 1492IU |
| Vitamin C | 19mg |
| Calcium | 297mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Storage and Meal Prep Guidelines
Meal prepping and storing your leftover chicken and bell peppers can save you time. It also makes sure your dish stays fresh. Follow these simple tips to keep your meal prep chicken recipes fresh and convenient.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Put leftover cooked chicken and bell peppers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors strong and prevents drying out.
Freezing for Longer Storage
You can freeze the chicken and peppers for longer storage. Divide them into individual servings and use freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen for up to 3 months, though peppers might get softer when thawed.
Reheating Frozen Meals
To reheat frozen meal prep chicken recipes, use the microwave or oven. Warm them until hot. This makes for a quick, flavorful meal.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By following these storage and meal prep guidelines, you can enjoy your chicken and bell pepper dish for days or weeks. Meal prepping has never been easier!
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Want to try something new with your chicken and bell pepper recipe? We’ve got lots of tasty variations and substitutions for you!
Swap chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This change might affect cooking time, but the taste will be just as good. For a veggie option, use firm tofu or tempeh. They’ll soak up the flavors well.
- Try using broccoli, mushrooms, or sliced carrots instead of bell peppers for a different flavor.
- Add a bit of sweetness with hoisin sauce.
- Make it spicy with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
- Seafood fans can use shrimp or flank steak instead of chicken.
With these many choices, you can create endless dishes! Be creative and find your family’s new favorite recipe.
Conclusion
This 30-minute chicken and bell pepper recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s quick, healthy, and you can make it your own. It’s like a restaurant-quality meal, all in one pan.
The recipe is full of protein and vitamins from the chicken and bell peppers. You can also change up the spices and sides to fit your taste. This makes it a great choice for a family dinner.
If you need a simple meal or something to wow your guests, try this recipe. It’s fast to make and tastes amazing. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a healthy, easy chicken dinner.