This Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together the comforting flavors of chicken, bell peppers, savory meat, and aromatic spices. The combination of tender chicken breasts and sautéed vegetables makes it a satisfying meal perfect for both casual weeknights and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love how simple and flavorful this recipe is. It takes only 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The bell peppers and onions add sweetness and crunch, while the addition of savory meat enhances the richness of the dish. The garlic and Italian seasoning give everything a wonderful depth of flavor. And don’t forget the fresh basil on top—it adds a lovely herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish!
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 slices of your preferred meat
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Lay a slice of your preferred meat over each chicken breast and return the chicken to the skillet. Allow the meat to crisp up for 2-3 minutes, giving everything a chance to meld together.
Serve the chicken with the sautéed peppers and onions, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sautéed mix for more variety.
Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the skillet for a little heat.
Cheese: Top the chicken with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of cooking to melt and create a cheesy topping.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken and veggies in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals.
Related Recipes:
- Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef and Brown Rice
- Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onion
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless chicken thighs would work wonderfully in this recipe. They’ll stay moist and tender while soaking up all the flavors from the seasoning and sautéed vegetables.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the vegetables and season the chicken in advance to make cooking quicker on the day of serving. The chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What other types of meat can I use?
You can use ham, prosciutto, or even salami instead of the slices of your preferred meat. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your preferred meat does not contain any gluten. Be sure to check the label if you’re using deli meats or pre-sliced meats.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the chicken with the sautéed vegetables, you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts separately. Reheat them when you’re ready and prepare fresh veggies to pair with it.
Conclusion
This Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat is a quick, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in my household. With its tender chicken, crisp veggies, and delicious seasoning, it checks all the boxes for a satisfying and hearty dinner. It’s perfect for any night of the week and can be easily customized to suit my tastes. Whether I’m cooking for myself or hosting friends, this dish never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
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Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Savory Italian Chicken with Peppers and Meat is a quick and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken breasts, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and savory meat, all enhanced by aromatic Italian seasoning. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish offers a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 slices of your preferred meat (e.g., ham, prosciutto, or salami)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and aromatic.
- Place a slice of your chosen meat over each chicken breast and return the chicken to the skillet. Allow the meat to crisp up for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the chicken with the sautéed peppers and onions, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Add More Veggies: Consider adding zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sautéed mix for additional flavor and variety.
Spicy Kick: If you prefer some heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the sautéing of vegetables.
Cheese: For a cheesy finish, top the chicken with mozzarella or Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
