Description
Italian Banana Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, topped with tangy pickled banana peppers, butter slices, and melted mozzarella cheese. This quick oven-baked recipe combines classic Italian seasoning with a sweet and slightly spicy kick from banana peppers, making it perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Italian Chicken Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup refrigerator pickled banana peppers
- 4 tablespoons sliced butter
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken perfectly.
- Prepare Chicken: Brush both sides of each halved chicken breast with olive oil. Season generously on both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to build a flavorful base.
- Assemble on Baking Sheet: Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly on a baking sheet. Layer the pickled banana peppers evenly over the chicken, followed by slices of butter to add richness during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to cook the chicken through and allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and peppers.
- Finish Baking: Return to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Broil for Browning (Optional): For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are cut in half to reduce cooking time and promote even cooking.
- Use refrigerator pickled banana peppers for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast; fresh banana peppers can be substituted but will alter flavor and texture slightly.
- Broiling at the end is optional but recommended for a golden cheese crust.
- For a lower fat version, reduce or omit the butter slices and use a lighter cheese.
- Serve with a side of pasta, salad, or crusty bread to complete the Italian meal.
