Garlic Herb Chicken with Roasted Red Peppers
Juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts infused with a fragrant garlic and herb marinade, paired with smoky, sweet roasted red peppers. This vibrant dish comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company. Serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
For 4 servings
- prep
Make the garlic herb marinade.
1.In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.2.Mix well to form a paste. - prep
Marinate the chicken.
1.Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.2.Rub the garlic herb mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast.3.Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes while you roast the peppers.TIPLetting the chicken come to room temperature ensures even cooking. Don't skip this step. - roast
Roast the red peppers.
1.Preheat the broiler to high.2.Place the quartered red bell peppers skin-side up on a baking sheet.3.Broil for 8 to 10 minutes, until the skins are blistered and blackened.4.Transfer to a bowl, cover with a plate, and let steam for 5 minutes. Peel off the skins and set aside.TIPSteaming the peppers in a covered bowl loosens the skins, making them easy to peel. - grill
Cook the chicken breasts.
1.Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.2.Place the marinated chicken in the pan. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on the first side without moving.3.Flip and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown.4.Transfer the chicken to a plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes.TIPResist the urge to move the chicken around. Let it sear undisturbed for a perfect golden crust. - assemble
Slice and plate the dish.
1.Slice the rested chicken breasts against the grain into thick strips.2.Arrange the chicken slices on a serving platter with the roasted red peppers.3.Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the paste adhere and promote browning.
- 2Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes after marinating for even cooking.
- 3Broil peppers skin-side up until fully blackened for the deepest smoky flavor.
- 4Steam the hot peppers in a covered bowl for 5 minutes to make peeling effortless.
- 5Resist moving the chicken while searing; a undisturbed crust gives the best golden color.
- 6Rest the cooked chicken for 5 minutes under foil to keep juices inside when slicing.
- 7Slice the chicken against the grain for the most tender bite.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free Creamy Sauce
Add a splash of full-fat coconut milk to the pan after removing the chicken, stir in the rest marinating paste, and simmer until thickened — pour over the plated dish for a dairy-free creamy sauce.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a minced Fresno chili to the marinade for a gentle heat that complements the sweet roasted peppers.
Herb SwapHerb Swap
Replace dried oregano and thyme with 1 tablespoon each of fresh rosemary and sage for a more rustic, woodsy flavor profile.
Mediterranean BowlMediterranean Bowl
Slice the chicken and serve over a bed of couscous with chickpeas, feta, and a drizzle of tahini sauce, using the roasted peppers as a topping.
Low Carb / KetoLow-Carb / Keto
Serve the chicken and peppers over a mound of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles instead of bread or salad to keep carbs minimal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Chicken breast is a low-fat, high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and satiety without excess calories.
Rich in Vitamin C
Red bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production; roasting concentrates this nutrient.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats linked to reduced inflammation and better heart health when used in place of saturated fats.
Antioxidant Boost
Garlic and herbs like oregano and thyme contain antioxidants that may help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). The juices also run clear.
