Oven-baked chicken breast with bell peppers

Oven-Baked Chicken Breast with Peppers

When it comes to delicious and comforting dishes, oven-baked chicken breast with peppers is a true favorite. This dish is not only quick and simple to prepare, but it is also full of flavors that perfectly combine the juiciness of the meat with the sweetness of the peppers and onions. Furthermore, baking allows the ingredients to blend harmoniously, giving you a savory and hearty result.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 500 g)
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one yellow for a vibrant look)
- 100 ml red wine (optional, but recommended to enhance the flavors)
- 2 medium onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning (or a mix of paprika, salt, pepper, garlic, and onion)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (for a touch of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 200 ml chicken broth (or water, but broth will add more flavor)
- 1 sprig of fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 50 g butter

Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling and slicing the onions into thin rings. Cut the peppers into strips, and slice the chicken breast thinly. It is important to have all ingredients prepared before starting to cook for an efficient workflow.

2. Seasoning the meat: In a bowl, mix the garlic powder, chicken seasoning, dried basil, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and mix well so that each piece is evenly coated with the spices. This step is essential for achieving flavorful chicken.

3. Assembling the dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a baking dish, arrange the seasoned chicken strips. Add the sliced onions and peppers, distributing them evenly over the meat.

4. Adding the liquid ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth with the tomato paste and mix well. Pour this mixture over the ingredients in the dish. Add the sprig of thyme and, if desired, you can also add a few pieces of butter for extra flavor.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Let it bake for 20 minutes. This time allows the meat to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the vegetables.

6. Adding the wine: After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Add the red wine and gently mix the ingredients. This will give the dish a deep and complex flavor. Place the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes.

7. Serving: After the cooking time is up, remove the dish from the oven. You can serve this delicious dish with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Another wonderful idea is to serve it with a slice of fresh bread to soak up the aromatic sauce.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add extra texture, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts before serving.
- Red wine can be replaced with white wine or even lemon juice for a lighter version.
- You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, for a more varied option.

Nutritional benefits:
Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. Peppers are rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, while onions provide antimicrobial benefits. This recipe is also relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthily without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use bone-in chicken? Of course! Bone-in chicken will add extra flavor, but the cooking time will be extended.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet? You can replace the chicken breast with tofu or seitan, which absorb the sauce's flavors very well.
- What other recipes can I try if I like this one? You can explore similar oven-baked chicken recipes, such as chicken with vegetables or chicken with lemon sauce and herbs.

This oven-baked chicken breast with peppers recipe will turn your dinner into a memorable culinary experience. Don’t forget to enjoy every step of the process and savor the final result!