Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake
Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake is a comforting, one-pan dish that combines tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked together to create a rich, flavorful meal.
This dish features chicken breasts or thighs, along with vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, topped with a cheesy sauce made from melted cheese, cream, and seasonings. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for dinner.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken and vegetables.
Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Rub the seasonings over the chicken to coat evenly.
Add Vegetables: Arrange the sliced bell peppers and onion around and on top of the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is almost cooked through.
Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Finish Baking: Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes:
Protein: You can substitute chicken with other proteins like turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix in any other veggies you enjoy, such as zucchini, spinach, or peas.
Cheese: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, gooey texture.
Spices: Customize the flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like thyme and oregano.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed. Simply assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Tips:
Cook the chicken beforehand: Searing the chicken before baking will help it stay juicy.
Layer for even cooking: Arrange the chicken and vegetables in an even layer to ensure they cook uniformly.
Crispy topping: Add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top for a crunchy finish.
Check the doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Servings:
This recipe typically serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size. It’s a filling dish, making it great for a family meal or dinner party.
Enjoy this Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Bake as a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any night!