Three Pepper Chicken
Juicy chicken breasts coated with crushed saltine crackers and Italian seasoning, then pan-fried with colorful peppers and a flavorful broth. This dish offers a delightful mix of crispy texture and vibrant, savory flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine crushed saltine crackers and Italian seasoning.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat with the cracker mixture.
- Set the coated chicken breasts aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and crushed garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add the coated chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides, about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced red, green, and yellow peppers; cook until slightly tender.
- Add chicken broth and flour to the skillet, stirring well to combine and thicken the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
- Serve hot over cooked pasta or rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of saltine crackers. If you need a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflakes work well. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. This dish can also be made in a slow cooker for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Three Pepper Chicken over pasta or rice for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Spinach-Broccoli Soup. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Three Pepper Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, covered, to avoid drying it out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Pepper Chicken contains roughly 3119 calories, with 67g protein, 501g carbohydrates, and 104g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (143% of the Daily Value), and protein (135% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2156mg per serving (94% 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 other types of peppers in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other bell pepper colors or even add spicy peppers like jalapeños for a kick. The key is to maintain a balance of flavors, so choose peppers that complement the dish.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don't have chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube for a similar effect. This will still provide moisture and flavor to the dish.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture. Additionally, using olive oil instead of butter and reducing the amount of salt in the crackers can make it a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
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).