### Easy and Delicious Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Sweet Pepper and Thyme
Creating a flavorful and visually appealing main dish that combines chicken breasts and sweet peppers stuffed with herbs is both simple and impressive. This recipe will guide you through step-by-step instructions to make this delightful dish.
#### Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or a teaspoon of dried thyme)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
#### Instructions:
1. **Preparation:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Cut a slit into each side of the chicken breasts, about halfway through, but not all the way.
2. **Filling Preparation:**
- Wash the sweet pepper under cold running water to remove any dirt or seeds.
- Halve the pepper lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds using a spoon.
- In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and onion; sauté until fragrant and soft (about 2 minutes).
- Stir in thyme leaves and cook for another minute.
3. **Stuffing Chicken Breasts:**
- Place the chicken breasts on a flat surface with the cut sides facing up.
- Spoon the mixture of herbs, garlic, onion, and spices into each chicken breast cavity.
- Top each piece of chicken with panko bread crumbs and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over them.
4. **Baking:**
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Drizzle some olive oil on top for added flavor and moisture retention during baking.
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, but still allow heat to circulate around the chicken.
5. **Cooking Time:**
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Uncover and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes to let the surface turn golden and crispy.
6. **Serving:**
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme or your favorite herbs, accompanied by steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
#### Tips:
- Ensure that the chicken breasts are not overcooked to maintain their moisture and tenderness.
- You can use other types of bell peppers like yellow or orange for variety in color and flavor.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some lemon zest or juice to the stuffing mixture.
This stuffed chicken dish is perfect for any occasion—just make sure to share it with friends and family who will surely appreciate this mouthwatering creation!
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious, herb-infused main dish that is sure to impress your guests and satisfy any craving for something special. Enjoy your cooking!