Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Three-Cheese Chicken Parmesan with Bell Peppers recipe. This delicious twist on the classic Italian dish features tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with a trio of melty cheeses and colorful bell peppers. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving some homemade comfort food. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, along with cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb versions for those watching their carb intake.
Ingredients:
Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients needed for this mouthwatering dish:
- Meat:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Baking & Spices:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- Oils & Vinegars:
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Sauces:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Produce:
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
- Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
Instructions:
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one containing the flour, one containing the beaten eggs, and one containing the Italian breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle with sliced bell peppers. Top with shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses, and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil, if using. Serve hot, alongside your favorite side dishes such as pasta, rice, or a crisp salad.
Cook Notes and Variations:
Here are some tips and variations to customize your Three-Cheese Chicken Parmesan with Bell Peppers:
- Fresh Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking, or use a spicy marinara sauce.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with breaded and baked eggplant slices for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, here’s how you can modify the recipe:
Keto Version:
- Almond Flour Coating: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs to make a keto-friendly breading for the chicken.
- Sugar-Free Marinara: Choose a sugar-free marinara sauce or make your own using fresh tomatoes and keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol or stevia.
Low-Carb Version:
- Zucchini Noodles: Serve the chicken and bell peppers over spiralized zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb option.
- Reduced Sugar Sauce: Opt for a marinara sauce with reduced sugar content or make a homemade sauce using fresh tomatoes and minimal added sweeteners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Let’s address some common questions about making Three-Cheese Chicken Parmesan with Bell Peppers:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the breaded chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Add the sauce, cheese, and bell peppers just before baking.
Q: What side dishes pair well with this chicken parmesan? A: This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including pasta, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze any leftover chicken parmesan for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our Three-Cheese Chicken Parmesan with Bell Peppers recipe. With its crispy breadcrumb coating, savory marinara sauce, and melty cheese topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish. Try it tonight and experience the ultimate comfort food!
