Italian Banana Pepper Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Banana Pepper Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that combines tender chicken breasts with tangy banana peppers and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want bold flavors without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 12-ounce jar banana peppers (or refrigerator pickled banana peppers)
• 3 tablespoons butter, sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Step 2: Brush each side of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet and cover them with the banana peppers. Distribute the sliced butter on top.
4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 20 minutes. After that, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
6. Step 6: For a golden, bubbly finish, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to brown the cheese, if desired.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, ideally with sides like bacon roasted potatoes and creamy lemon asparagus orzo.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different cheesy texture.
• Use fresh banana peppers if available for a milder and fresher taste.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, covering the chicken to retain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even baking and proper seasoning absorption.

What can I serve with Italian Banana Pepper Chicken?

This dish pairs well with roasted potatoes, pasta like orzo, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Italian Banana Pepper Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 132 reviews

This Italian Banana Pepper Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, topped with tangy banana peppers, butter, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes or a light pasta side.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Toppings

• 1 12-ounce jar banana peppers or use Refrigerator Pickled Banana Peppers
• 3 tablespoons butter, sliced
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken evenly.
2. Season Chicken: Brush each side of the chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse the chicken with rich flavors.
3. Assemble on Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Layer the banana peppers over the chicken breasts, then top with sliced butter pieces to add moisture and richness during cooking.
4. Bake Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the peppers to become tender.
5. Add Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken piece, then return it to the oven.
6. Melt Cheese: Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese has melted thoroughly and becomes gooey.
7. Broil for Browning (Optional): For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, place the chicken under the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. This dish pairs excellently with Bacon Roasted Potatoes and Creamy Lemon Asparagus Orzo for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh banana peppers if preferred, but pickled banana peppers add a nice tangy flavor.
• The broiling step is optional but recommended for a nicely browned cheese topping.
• Butter adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist; do not omit.
• For a lower-fat version, reduce the butter or use a butter substitute.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Keywords: Italian chicken, banana pepper chicken, baked chicken breast, mozzarella chicken, easy chicken recipe