Peppers with chicken and mushrooms

Peppers with chicken and mushrooms is a hearty and flavorful dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and sweet bell peppers in a savory sauce makes for a satisfying meal. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Peppers with Chicken and Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your choice)
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Slice the bell peppers into strips and the mushrooms into slices.
   • Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
   • Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

2. Cook Chicken:

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables:

   • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Peppers:

   • Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

5. Combine and Simmer:

   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
   • Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the flavors have melded together.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
   • Serve hot, either on its own or over rice, pasta, or couscous.

Tips and Variations:

• Additions: You can include other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach to increase the variety of flavors and textures.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a bit of heat.
• Creamy Option: For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end of cooking.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted based on your taste preferences and what you have on hand. Enjoy your meal!