5 Delicious Chicken Bell Pepper Recipes You'll Love
Bell peppers are not only vibrant in color and flavor but also incredibly versatile, making them an excellent companion to chicken in various dishes. Whether you're aiming for a quick weeknight meal or a more sophisticated dinner option, chicken and bell peppers together offer a plethora of delicious possibilities. Here are five delightful recipes that incorporate chicken and bell peppers, each with its unique twist:
1. Chicken Bell Pepper Stir-Fry
This classic stir-fry is not only easy to make but also packs a flavorful punch with its mix of fresh bell peppers and seasoned chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, chopped for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate the sliced chicken in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a dash of salt, and pepper for 15 minutes.
- Stir-fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet, add the marinated chicken, and stir-fry until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the chicken to the pan, mix in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional minute.
- Finish and Serve: Season to taste, garnish with green onions, and serve hot over rice.
📝 Note: Ensure the vegetables retain their crunch by not overcooking them.
2. Chicken and Bell Pepper Fajitas
Fajitas are a crowd-pleaser, and with bell peppers and chicken, they're even better. Here’s how to make a perfect fajita feast:
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 3 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Warm tortillas
- Sour cream, cheese, salsa, for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate: Mix chicken with 2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning and lime juice. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat: Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy frying pan over high heat.
- Cook: Add oil, then cook the chicken until it’s just done. Remove and set aside.
- Vegetables: Add more oil to the pan if needed, then sauté the onions and bell peppers with the remaining seasoning until charred and tender.
- Assemble: Serve the chicken and vegetables on warm tortillas with your choice of toppings.
📝 Note: Warm your tortillas in the oven or directly on the stove for an authentic touch.
3. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken and Rice
Stuffed bell peppers offer a hearty and flavorful meal, perfect for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeded
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking dish, place the bell peppers in it, and set aside.
- Filling: In a bowl, mix together rice, chicken, tomatoes, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and half the cheese.
- Stuff: Fill each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, topping with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted and slightly browned.
📝 Note: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can provide a subtle heat to the stuffing.
4. Chicken Bell Pepper Curry
If you're looking for something with a bit of spice, this curry brings together the sweet taste of bell peppers with aromatic spices and tender chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a pot, add onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until onions are soft.
- Spice Mix: Stir in curry powder, turmeric, and cumin, cook for another minute.
- Chicken and Peppers: Add chicken pieces and bell peppers, cook until chicken is browned.
- Liquid: Pour in coconut milk and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and peppers are tender.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with steamed rice or naan.
📝 Note: Adjust the spice level to suit your taste with more or less curry powder or by adding chili.
5. Grilled Chicken Skewers with Bell Pepper
These skewers are ideal for summer barbecues or simply for a fun and interactive dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 3 bell peppers (various colors), cut into 1-inch squares
- Marinade:
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions:
- Marinate: Combine marinade ingredients, add chicken and bell peppers, marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread chicken and bell peppers alternately onto skewers.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Serve hot with a side of your choice, perhaps a fresh salad or couscous.
📝 Note: Keep an eye on the grill as bell peppers can char quickly.
In the tapestry of flavors that bell peppers and chicken provide, these recipes have woven together delightful meals that are sure to satisfy any palate. From the stir-fry's immediate gratification to the curry's comforting embrace, each dish offers a unique way to enjoy this versatile vegetable with chicken. Remember, cooking is an adventure, so feel free to add your own tweaks and turns to these recipes. Whether you're cooking for one or entertaining a crowd, these meals not only tantalize the taste buds but also bring vibrant colors to your table.
Can I use frozen bell peppers for these recipes?
+Yes, you can use frozen bell peppers, but they might release more water when cooked, potentially altering the dish’s texture. For stir-fries or curries, this won’t be a significant issue, but for stuffed peppers, fresh bell peppers are preferred for their firmness.
What other vegetables pair well with chicken and bell peppers?
+Vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and onions are fantastic with chicken and bell peppers. For a varied texture, consider adding snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for added color and crunch.
How can I make these recipes healthier?
+To make the recipes healthier, reduce the use of oil, incorporate more vegetables, use low-sodium soy sauce, and opt for brown rice instead of white. Also, consider using leaner cuts of chicken like breasts over thighs if you’re watching calorie intake.