Flavorful Fiesta: Delicious Chicken Recipes with Peppers

Peppers, with their vibrant colors and diverse flavors, are a fantastic addition to any chicken dish. From sweet bell peppers to fiery jalapeños, the possibilities are endless. This article explores a variety of chicken recipes featuring peppers, catering to different spice preferences and skill levels. We'll cover everything from simple weeknight meals to more elaborate dishes perfect for entertaining.

Easy Weeknight Wonders: Chicken & Peppers

These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and flavorful meal.

One-Pan Roasted Chicken and Peppers

This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss chicken, peppers, onion, and garlic with olive oil, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and peppers are tender.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat!

Quick Chicken and Pepper Stir-fry

A speedy and satisfying stir-fry is perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a small bowl.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through.
4. Add peppers, onion, and garlic; stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables; stir until thickened.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds (optional) and serve over rice or noodles.

Elevated Entrees: Chicken with Peppers for Special Occasions

These recipes are more involved but offer a delicious and impressive meal for special occasions or dinner parties.

Chicken Fajitas with Roasted Peppers

A crowd-pleasing classic, elevated with perfectly roasted peppers.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 red bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 2 green bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fajita toppings of your choice (sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cheese)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss peppers and onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until peppers are tender and slightly charred.
4. While peppers are roasting, cook chicken in a skillet until cooked through.
5. Slice roasted peppers and onions.
6. Serve chicken and peppers in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Chicken and Pepper Stuffed Poblano Peppers

A visually stunning and flavorful dish that's perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients:

• 6 large poblano peppers
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1/2 cup cooked rice
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar)

Instructions:

1. Roast poblano peppers until skin is blackened. Peel and remove seeds.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, rice, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and cheese.
3. Fill poblano peppers with chicken mixture.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remember to adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or other spicy ingredients. Experiment with different types of peppers and seasonings to create your own unique chicken and pepper creations! Enjoy!