How to Make an Easy Bell Pepper Chicken Casserole for Dinner

When you need a comforting dish that comes together with minimal effort, an easy bell pepper chicken casserole is the perfect solution for busy evenings. This wholesome dinner pairs juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with colorful sweet bell peppers baked in a rich, velvety sauce until golden and bubbling.

Preparing this dish requires only a few minutes of active prep work before your oven does the rest of the job. By layering fresh bell peppers, diced chicken, and a well-seasoned creamy base under a melted layer of cheese, you create a satisfying, family-friendly meal that easily fits into a balanced lifestyle.

Ingredients for the Perfect Pepper & Chicken Bake

To achieve the best flavor and texture, select fresh bell peppers and quality lean chicken breast.

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes.
• Bell Peppers: 3 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green), sliced into thin strips.
• Onion & Garlic: 1 medium yellow onion (diced) and 3 cloves garlic (minced).
• Creamy Sauce Base: 1 cup heavy cream or light cooking cream combined with 1/2 cup chicken broth.
• Cheese: 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or Gouda cheese for a rich melted topping.
• Seasonings: 1 tsp paprika powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for searing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 4–5 minutes until light golden on the outside (it will finish cooking thoroughly in the oven).
3. Layer Vegetables and Meat: Place the sliced bell peppers, diced onions, and minced garlic directly into the prepared baking dish. Add the seared chicken pieces and toss gently to distribute evenly.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the mixture of heavy cream and chicken broth evenly over the chicken and peppers. Sprinkle the shredded cheese across the top in a uniform layer.
5. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition & Macro Breakdown

This oven-baked dish provides a solid balance of high protein and healthy fats with low carbohydrates.

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 24g

Meal Prep & Storage Guidance

• Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight glass container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1.5–2 minutes or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

• Simple Preparation: Takes under 15 minutes of hands-on prep time.
• Low Carb Friendly: Contains under 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores exceptionally well in the fridge for weekday lunches.

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