Mediterranean-Style Feta Chicken Bell Peppers
These Mediterranean-Style Feta Chicken Bell Peppers are a delectable fusion of flavor and nutrition. Succulent, sautéed chicken thighs are infused with zesty lemon juice and aromatic spices, perfectly complemented by the briny bite of kalamata olives. Nestled in sweet, roasted red bell peppers and topped with creamy, rich sheep's milk feta cheese, this dish is not only visually appealing but also a hearty meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Ideal for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress and satisfy!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red bell peppers
2 (halved and seeded)
Boneless skinless chicken thighs
4 (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Black olives
1 cup (pitted, preferably kalamata)
Garlic powder
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (ready to use)
Salt
to taste (ready to use)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for greasing the dish)
Feta cheese
8 ounces (crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a casserole dish, generously coat the bottom with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
3
Prepare the red bell peppers by halving them and removing the seeds. Arrange the halved peppers cut-side up in the dish.
4
Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and cut them into 1-inch pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with the lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pitted black olives. Mix well until the chicken pieces are evenly coated in the marinade.
5
Spoon the chicken mixture generously into each halved red bell pepper. Don’t worry if some mixture spills out; this will enhance the flavor during baking.
6
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the stuffed bell peppers.
7
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the peppers are tender.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean-style stuffed peppers warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in Mediterranean-Style Feta Chicken Bell Peppers?
The main protein in this recipe is boneless skinless chicken thighs.
How should the chicken thighs be prepared?
Trim any excess fat and cut the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces before marinating.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the red bell peppers?
Halve the red bell peppers and remove all seeds before arranging them in the casserole dish.
What ingredients are used in the chicken marinade?
The chicken is mixed with lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pitted black olives.
What kind of olives are best for this Mediterranean dish?
While any black olives work, pitted kalamata olives are preferred for their briny flavor.
When do I add the feta cheese?
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the stuffed bell peppers before baking.
How long do the peppers need to bake?
Bake for a total of 60 minutes: 30 minutes covered with foil and another 30 minutes uncovered.
Why is the casserole dish coated with olive oil?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to generously coat the bottom of the dish to prevent the peppers from sticking.
Should the casserole dish be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking, then remove it for the final 30 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What type of feta cheese is recommended?
Rich sheep's milk feta cheese is suggested for its creamy texture and flavor.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as a healthy meal and features nutrient-dense ingredients like peppers and lean protein.
How do I arrange the peppers in the dish?
Place the halved and seeded bell peppers cut-side up in the casserole dish.
What should I do if the chicken mixture spills out of the peppers?
Do not worry if some mixture spills out; it will help enhance the overall flavor of the dish while baking.
How much cumin is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cumin.
How much garlic powder is used?
You will need 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe calls for the juice of 1 lemon, though bottled juice can be used as a substitute if fresh is unavailable.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 8 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What is the serving suggestion for these peppers?
Let the stuffed peppers cool slightly after baking and serve them warm.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients required for this dish.
What makes the chicken succulent in this recipe?
Using chicken thighs and marinating them in lemon juice and spices ensures the meat stays succulent.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It has a Mediterranean flavor profile featuring zesty lemon, aromatic spices, and briny olives.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its visual appeal and hearty nature make it ideal for dinner parties or family meals.
How many bell peppers do I need for 4 servings?
The recipe uses 2 large bell peppers, which are halved to create 4 portions.
What is the measurement for the olives?
The recipe requires 1 cup of pitted black olives.
Does the recipe use salt?
Yes, salt is added to the chicken marinade to taste.
How much olive oil is used for greasing?
The recipe suggests approximately 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Is this recipe easy to follow for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy meal with straightforward preparation and baking steps.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is typically done after the full 60 minutes of baking, or once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.