Garlic Butter Chicken with Sweet Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 2-3 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), sliced
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried oregano. These seasonings will infuse the chicken with a flavorful base that complements the garlic butter sauce and sweet peppers.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

3. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add the butter and melt it over medium heat. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add the Sweet Peppers:

• Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the garlic butter and sauté them for 4-5 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. The peppers will absorb some of the butter and garlic flavor, becoming tender and sweet.
• For an added touch of heat, you can sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the pan while the peppers cook.

5. Deglaze the Pan:

• Once the peppers are soft and golden, pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and lemon juice to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits of chicken or garlic that are stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This will create a flavorful sauce that coats the peppers and adds depth to the dish.
• Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly and intensify in flavor.

6. Return the Chicken to the Pan:

• Once the sauce has thickened a little, return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the garlic butter and peppers. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to ensure it absorbs all the flavors.
• Let the chicken simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to reheat and soak up the garlic butter sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Once everything is cooked to perfection, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken and peppers for a burst of color and freshness.
• Serve the garlic butter chicken with sweet peppers on its own, or pair it with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Garlic Butter Chicken with Sweet Peppers:

1. Use Chicken Thighs:
   • If you prefer a juicier cut of meat, chicken thighs can be used in place of breasts. They add a richer flavor and remain tender and moist throughout the cooking process.
2. Customize the Peppers:
   • Feel free to use different colored bell peppers, or add other vegetables like zucchini or onions for added texture and flavor.
3. Add Fresh Herbs:
   • Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil can be used to complement the garlic butter sauce. Add them at the same time as the garlic for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
4. Serve with a Side:
   • To make this meal even more filling, consider pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables, a side of pasta, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
5. Make It Spicy:
   • For those who like a bit of heat, adding a chopped fresh chili pepper or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can spice up the dish and add a kick of flavor.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Chicken with Sweet Peppers:

This dish is a perfect balance of flavors, with the rich and savory garlic butter sauce complementing the natural sweetness of the peppers. The tender chicken absorbs all the delicious sauce, while the peppers add a touch of freshness and color. The best part? It’s all cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Sweet Peppers is also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different herbs, vegetables, and seasonings to suit your tastes. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe fits the bill every time.

With its creamy, garlicky sauce and sweet, tender peppers, this dish is comfort food at its finest. It’s satisfying, nutritious, and flavorful—a meal your entire family will rave about. So, if you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dinner idea, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Sweet Peppers is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!