Delicious Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Have you ever wondered how you can turn a simple bell pepper into a mouthwatering, nutritious meal? Chicken stuffed peppers are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and essential nutrients. In fact, studies show that incorporating more vegetables into your diet can significantly improve your overall health. This recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices, all nestled in a sweet bell pepper, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.

Remember it later

Like this recipe! Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making chicken stuffed peppers, from ingredients to cooking tips, ensuring you can create this delightful dish effortlessly.

Ingredients List

Creating the perfect chicken stuffed peppers requires fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients:

  • Bell Peppers: 4 large (any color: red, yellow, or green)
    • Tip: Choose firm peppers with shiny skin for the best flavor.
  • Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
    • Substitution: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap with ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Cooked Rice: 1 cup (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative)
  • Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz) with green chilies for added flavor
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
    • Substitution: Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Fresh Cilantro: For garnish (optional)

Timing

Preparing chicken stuffed peppers is surprisingly quick and efficient! Here’s a breakdown of the timing:

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

This is approximately 20% less time than the average casserole recipe, making it a great choice for busy weeknights!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your stuffed peppers cook evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Wash the bell peppers and slice the tops off, removing the seeds and membranes. This creates a perfect vessel for your filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, half of the cheddar cheese, and spices. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling mixture generously into each bell pepper, packing it down slightly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

Step 5: Bake the Peppers

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your delicious chicken stuffed peppers!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for one stuffed pepper (based on a recipe yielding 4 servings):

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories350
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat5g
Cholesterol80mg
Sodium600mg
Total Carbohydrates40g
Dietary Fiber7g
Sugars5g
Protein25g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your chicken stuffed peppers even healthier, consider these modifications:

  • Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with quinoa or lentils for a plant-based alternative.
  • Extra Veggies: Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your chicken stuffed peppers experience, consider these creative serving suggestions:

  • Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
  • Avocado Slices: Top with fresh avocado slices for healthy fats and a creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making chicken stuffed peppers, here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

  • Overcooking the Peppers: Baking them too long can make them mushy. Aim for tender yet firm peppers.
  • Underseasoning: Don’t be shy with spices! Proper seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Filling Too Tightly: Overstuffing can cause the peppers to burst. Fill them generously but leave some space.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To maintain the freshness and flavor of your chicken stuffed peppers, follow these storage tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked stuffed peppers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
  • Prep Ahead: You can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble the peppers just before baking for the best texture.

Conclusion

In summary, chicken stuffed peppers are a delicious, nutritious, and visually appealing dish that’s easy to prepare. With a variety of filling options and the ability to customize based on dietary needs, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today, and don’t forget to share your feedback in the comments or subscribe for more delicious updates!

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey, beef, or even pork can be substituted for chicken, depending on your preference.

How do I know when the peppers are done?

The peppers should be tender and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. A fork should easily pierce the pepper.

Can I make these stuffed peppers in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Delicious Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Delicious Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Stuffed Peppers:
  • Bell Peppers: 4 large (any color: red, yellow, or green)
  • Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
  • Substitution: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Cooked Rice: 1 cup (white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative)
  • Black Beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (15 oz) with green chilies for added flavor
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
  • Substitution: Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon each of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Fresh Cilantro: For garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Wash, slice the tops off, and remove seeds.
  3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix chicken, rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, half of the cheese, and spices.
  4. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper with the mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
  5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
  6. Serve: Garnish with cilantro and enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook