Quick and Easy Sheet Pan Italian Chicken and Peppers Dinner (Breaded and Baked)

Sheet Pan Italian Chicken and Peppers are a tasty and complete dish: in a single preparation you will bring to the table a main dish for your lunches or dinners. To make this recipe even tastier is the gratin, which will give crunchiness to the dish, making it super tasty.

To make them, we cut the bell peppers into strips and the chicken breast into strips, before putting them in a bowl and mixing them with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, parsley, minced garlic, paprika, salt and pepper. Everything will be poured into a pan, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil and baked in the oven for half an hour: you will thus obtain truly irresistible one sheet chicken fajitas, which will conquer everyone.

What Are Sheet Pan Italian Chicken And Peppers?

This Sheet Pan Italian Chicken and Peppers dinner is a flavorful dish made by baking strips of chicken and peppers with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and cheese. Sheet pan dinners, like this one, became popular for their convenience—combining proteins and vegetables on one tray for easy preparation and cleanup. They evolved from the desire for quick, hassle-free meals, especially in busy households. Over time, sheet pan dinners have grown to include a variety of flavor profiles and ingredients, making them a go-to for simple, satisfying meals.

Pro Tips to Get the Best Sheet Pan Italian Chicken And Peppers

• Fresh chicken and peppers will provide the best flavor and texture. Try to avoid pre-cut or frozen chicken for the most tender results.
• Slice the chicken into thin, uniform strips to ensure they cook evenly. This helps the meat stay tender and avoid overcooking.
• Arrange the chicken and peppers in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which affects texture and flavor.
• Be generous with seasoning the chicken and peppers. Use a mix of garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to bring out the flavors. Feel free to add a little extra oregano or thyme for added depth.
• For the perfect crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They’ll create a lighter, crunchier crust.
• Ensure the oven is fully preheated to the recommended temperature before placing the sheet pan inside. This helps cook the chicken evenly and develop that crispy texture on the breadcrumbs.
• To make sure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I Really Cook Chicken and Peppers Together?

Yes, bell peppers and chicken can be cooked together in the oven. Bell peppers cook quickly, and chicken, especially when sliced thinly like in this recipe, will also cook at the same rate. Roasting them together allows the flavors to meld, with the chicken absorbing the sweetness of the peppers. As long as the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), there's no need to pre-cook them separately. Just make sure to cut the chicken into even strips for uniform cooking.

Can I Use a Ready-Made Seasoning Instead of Mixing My Own?

Yes, you can buy ready-made seasoning instead of making your own. Pre-made chicken seasoning or Italian seasoning blends can save time and still provide great flavor. Look for options that include garlic, paprika, salt, and herbs like oregano and thyme, which are key in this recipe. However, making your own allows you to control the flavor intensity and customize it to your taste preferences.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Chicken thighs are more moist and flavorful, which can add richness to the dish. Since they have a slightly longer cooking time than chicken breasts, make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed to ensure they are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

What Else Can I Add to My Italian Sheet Pan Chicken and Dinner?

You can enrich the preparation by adding sliced ​​onion and you can replace the parsley with thyme, marjoram or with the aromatic herbs you prefer. You can also make the same recipe with turkey breast, so you can adapt it according to your tastes and availability. And of course, never forget the most beloved additions to any sheet pan dinner: potatoes!

Can I Make My Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and peppers with the seasoning and breadcrumbs, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply bake as directed. For the best results, it’s recommended to add the breadcrumb topping right before baking to keep it crispy.

Do They Freeze Well?

Of course! After assembling the dish, you can freeze it before baking. Place the chicken and peppers (with the breadcrumb topping) in an airtight container or freezer bag. To cook, bake it directly from frozen, but you may need to increase the baking time to ensure it's heated through. The dish is best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Store Sheet Pan Italian Chicken and Peppers

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored for 1-2 days in an airtight container.

How to Make Sheet Pan Italian Chicken and Peppers

Step 1

Step 1

Wash the peppers, clean them and cut them into strips.

Wash the peppers, clean them and cut them into strips.

Step 2

Step 2

Cut the chicken breast into strips.

Cut the chicken breast into strips.

Step 3

Step 3

Pour everything into a large bowl and add salt, pepper, chopped garlic, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley and paprika. Mix well to combine everything.

Pour everything into a large bowl and add salt, pepper, chopped garlic, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley and paprika. Mix well to combine everything.

Step 4

Step 4

Arrange everything in a baking pan and season with extra virgin olive oil.

Arrange everything in a baking pan and season with extra virgin olive oil.

Step 5

Step 5

Bake at 360F/180C for 30 minutes until the chicken is golden and crispy. If you prefer, you can also make them in an air fryer, for 25 minutes at 340F/170C.

Bake at 360F/180C for 30 minutes until the chicken is golden and crispy. If you prefer, you can also make them in an air fryer, for 25 minutes at 340F/170C.

Step 6

Step 6

Enjoy!

Enjoy!