Three-Pepper Baked Chicken
A flavorful baked chicken dish topped with colorful peppers, onions, melted cheese, and optional cilantro, perfect for a quick, family-friendly Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- salt
- 3/4 cup red bell peppers, cut into short, thin strips ⓘ
- 3/4 cup green bell peppers, cut into short, thin strips ⓘ
- 3/4 cup yellow bell peppers, cut into short, thin strips
- 3/4 cup slivered red onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup picante sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder or ground cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken in a single layer in a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish; sprinkle with salt.
- In a 10-inch skillet, cook and stir bell peppers and onion in vegetable oil until tender.
- Stir in picante sauce and chili powder or cumin.
- Spoon mixture evenly over chicken; cover dish tightly with foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil; sprinkle chicken with shredded cheese.
- Bake, uncovered, just until cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if desired.
- Serve with additional picante sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of picante sauce and spices for an hour before baking. You can substitute the bell peppers with any color of your choice or even use frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes. If you like it spicier, consider adding jalapeños or using a hotter picante sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Tortilla Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Three-Pepper Baked Chicken with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh salad or guacamole complements the dish nicely. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Chicken Chalupa Casserole for a hearty family dinner or serve it alongside Tortilla Squares as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. To maintain the cheese's texture, it's best to reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three-Pepper Baked Chicken contains roughly 324 calories, with 10g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (189% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1066mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before baking. This will ensure even cooking and that the chicken absorbs the flavors from the peppers and picante sauce.
What can I serve with Three-Pepper Baked Chicken?
This dish goes well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with Mexican rice, a fresh green salad, or even black beans for added protein. For a more filling option, pair it with homemade tortillas or cornbread.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add extra cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).