Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season and Sear the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent.
- Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Return Chicken and Bake:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the vegetable mixture.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese, if desired.
7. Enjoy!
- Serve your Mediterranean Chicken and Pepper Casserole hot, alongside your favorite side dishes like rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
This Mediterranean-inspired casserole is a colorful and flavorful way to enjoy chicken and the classic flavors of the Mediterranean. The combination of bell peppers, tomatoes, olives, and capers creates a delicious and satisfying meal.