1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Start by patting your chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. Chop your onion, mince the garlic, and deseed and chop both bell peppers into similar-sized pieces. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process much smoother.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the cubed chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Saute the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the same skillet, adding a tiny splash more olive oil if needed. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the peppers start to soften slightly.

4. Build the Flavor Base: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all that delicious flavor.

5. Simmer and Thicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 F (74 C).

6. Add Creaminess and Cheese: Uncover the skillet. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes until they are fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Once the sauce is smooth, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce.

7. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet again or place it under a broiler for 2-3 minutes (watch carefully!) until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. If broiling, make sure your skillet is oven-safe.

8. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.