Easy, tender oven-roasted chicken with Pimento is packed with flavor, totally easy, and completely foolproof! Never dry, always tender!

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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!

Red Pepper Baked Chicken

When my parents bought a house in Seaside, Florida (which is decidedly more gulf shores than Orlando, vibe-wise), we never really had an appreciation for southern food.

Sure- I liked it fine, but I didn’t really know a lot of southern cult classics, especially the glory that is pimento cheese. 

Ever since mastering my favorite pimento cheese recipe, I started to have a lot of jars of pimentos on hand – but since we’ve been trying to eat mostly low-carb and gluten/grain free at home lately, I havent been making gooey-cheesey dips.

I recently was out of a lot of food recently, but had pimentos on hand, and decided to make a delicious sauce with them (in the spirit of Roasted Portuguese chicken) for some chicken breasts I had.

We were craving something full of flavor and fresh, and this Oven Roasted Pimento Chicken is perfect!

I made a huge batch the first night and we loved eating it all week as leftovers – and have made the recipe again and again because it’s so easy, delicious, and foolproof especially on a busy night!

This chicken is great on it’s own- but also with rice, over a salad, in wraps, or sandwiches – it is really super versatile and full of flavor.

How to Make Baked Pimento Chicken

To make this recipe, you need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs Chicken (4 Chicken Breasts): The star of the dish. Chicken breasts provide a lean protein base that takes well to all kinds of seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the chicken’s natural flavors and prep it for the other spices.
• 1 Jar Pimento Peppers, Diced: The key ingredient! Pimentos bring a sweet, slightly tangy punch that elevates the chicken’s flavor.
• 2 tbsp Garlic Powder: Adds depth and a savory kick, pairing well with the pimento peppers.
• 1 tbsp Oregano: This herb contributes a touch of earthiness and a hint of mint, adding complexity to the overall profile.
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice: Brings acidity and brightness to balance out the richness of the peppers and olive oil.
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist while roasting, and also aids in the caramelization of the dish’s surface.
• Lime Juice, to Garnish: Adds a final zesty touch that complements the pimento and garlic flavors, making each bite even more exciting.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following method:

• Prep. Preheat oven to 400 degrees, Generously salt and pepper chicken breasts. Lay chicken on wire rack over a baking sheet. In a small blender or food processor, add pimentos (with juice from the jar), garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until a paste forms. Smother both sides of chicken in pimento paste.
• Bake. Bake 25 minutes, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165 degrees (time might fluctuate depending on your oven and the size of your chicken breasts.)
• Enjoy! Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and serve!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Oven Roasted Pimento Chicken

Quality Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents.

Even Cooking: Pound the chicken thighs to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

Searing: Sear the chicken in a hot pan to lock in juices and create a flavorful crust.

Cream Cheese Hack: Soften your cream cheese for easier blending into the sauce.

Low and Slow: Cook the sauce over low heat to prevent it from separating or getting too thick.

Adjust Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, you can thin it with a splash of chicken or beef stock.

Infused Oil: If you can, use garlic-infused oil for added flavor depth.

Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, fresh ones elevate the dish. If using fresh, increase the amount by 3x the dried measurement.

Veggie Prep: Slice the mushrooms and sundried tomatoes uniformly for even cooking.

Spinach: Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the frozen spinach to prevent a soggy dish.

Taste Test: Always taste and adjust salt and spices before serving, especially if your stock or cheese is salty.

Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and red pepper flakes can add a pop of color and a hint of spice, respectively.

FAQs

What to Serve with Oven Roasted Pimento Chicken

Southern Collard Greens: Keep it Southern and traditional with a side of well-seasoned collard greens.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes are a classic choice that’ll complement the rich pimento cheese.

Roasted Veggies: Lightly seasoned roasted carrots, asparagus, or zucchini can add some color and nutritional value.

Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the pimento cheese.

Cornbread: Nothing screams Southern comfort like a side of moist, sweet cornbread.

White Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Either option can soak up the cheesy, flavorful juices.

Green Bean Almondine: Adds a French twist with the buttery, crunchy goodness of almonds.

Mac and Cheese: If you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not more cheese and make a super easy mac and cheese?

Biscuits: Soft, fluffy biscuits could serve as a lovely bread option to round out the meal.

Simple Salad: A salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the flavors and make the meal feel less heavy.

Try these recipes next:

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Smoked Trail Mix

Pumpkin Old Fashioned

Baked Ranch Brussels Sprouts

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