The Ultimate Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Bell peppers bursting with savory chicken stuffing will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

These delectable chicken stuffed peppers combine zesty herbs and tender meat in a colorful package.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Each pepper becomes a personal-sized meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a nutritious and mouthwatering dinner option.

The combination of spices and juicy chicken makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple yet spectacular these stuffed peppers can be.

Best Storage for Leftover Stuffed Peppers

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, making them even more delicious when reheated.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen stuffed peppers can maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated peppers in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore their crisp texture and prevent sogginess. Microwave works in a pinch but may make the peppers slightly softer.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or beef work great as substitutes for chicken in this recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, just ensure your rice and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat. You can also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce when serving.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Batch Standouts

• Boost Family Mealtime: Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this stuffed pepper recipe transforms ordinary dinner into an exciting, nutritious adventure kids will love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for ground turkey, use different cheeses, or add extra spices to match your family's taste preferences without complicated adjustments.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and straightforward cooking steps make this dish perfect for busy households needing delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare filling ahead of time, assemble peppers quickly, and enjoy a fresh, hot meal that tastes like you've been cooking all day.

What You Need for Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful peppers that serve as the edible vessel for the savory chicken filling.
• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the core of the stuffing mixture.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that adds texture and substance to the stuffed peppers.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational vegetables that provide depth and robust flavor to the chicken filling.
• Cilantro, Lime Juice: Fresh herbs and citrus that brighten and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's flavors.

• Cheese: Melty topping that adds richness and creates a golden, appetizing finish to the stuffed peppers.
• Cooking Oil: Essential for sautéing the vegetables and preventing sticking.
• Water: Provides moisture during baking to help cook the peppers and prevent drying out.

How to Prepare Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Slice bell peppers right down the middle, gently scoop out all the seeds, and nestle them into a baking dish.

Step 2: Create Delicious Filling

Heat up some oil in a skillet and dance those onions around until they turn soft and golden.

Toss in minced garlic, ground chicken, and sprinkle your favorite seasonings.

Stir and cook everything until the chicken looks perfectly done and no longer pink.

Step 3: Blend In Complementary Flavors

Mix in fluffy rice, freshly chopped cilantro, and a splash of zesty lime juice.

Stir everything together and let the ingredients get cozy and warm.

Step 4: Transform Peppers Into Stuffed Delights

Lovingly spoon your savory chicken mixture into each pepper half.

Pour a little water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep things moist.

Cover the dish with foil and slide into the oven for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Add The Crowning Glory

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the peppers.

Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Stuffed Peppers

• Select bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure stable baking and easy serving.
• Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for faster preparation and extra flavor depth.
• Add a splash of chicken broth instead of water to enhance the overall taste and keep the filling juicy.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the dish's delicious profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or queso fresco to add exciting flavor variations to the classic recipe.

Creative Variations for Stuffed Peppers

• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace chicken with black beans, quinoa, and diced tofu for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use ground turkey instead of chicken for fewer carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Style: Use ground lamb, add feta cheese, oregano, and replace lime juice with lemon for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Mexican Variation: Incorporate chorizo, jalapeños, and swap cilantro for fresh salsa verde to boost heat and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Stuffed Peppers

• Fiesta Plate Presentation: Serve these vibrant peppers on a colorful ceramic platter, garnished with extra fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a zesty touch.
• Fresh Family Feast: Pair with a crisp green salad or Mexican-style slaw to create a balanced, nutritious meal that delights both adults and kids.
• Spice It Up: Offer hot sauce, salsa, or quick guacamole on the side for guests who love an extra kick of flavor and personalized heat levels.
• Protein Power Combo: Add a small portion of black beans or quinoa alongside the stuffed peppers to boost protein and create a complete, satisfying dinner.

Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Mexican Chicken Stuffed Peppers bring zesty flavors dancing across your plate with colorful bell peppers packed with seasoned chicken. Cheese-topped and baked to perfection, these peppers deliver a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 green bell peppers
• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup precooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream for serving
• Pico de gallo for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish by slicing bell peppers in half lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and membranes.
2. In a skillet, heat oil and sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and ground chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and desired spices.
3. Cook chicken thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains and fully cooked through.
4. Incorporate cooked rice into the chicken mixture, gently folding in fresh chopped cilantro and a splash of lime juice for brightness.
5. Generously fill each pepper half with the savory chicken and rice blend, arranging them neatly in the prepared baking dish.
6. Pour a thin layer of water into the bottom of the dish to prevent peppers from drying out during baking.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven, baking for 20 minutes to allow peppers to soften.
8. Remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese over the peppers, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve hot as a complete and flavorful meal.

Notes

• Customize pepper colors to make the dish visually vibrant and appealing, using red, yellow, or green bell peppers for different flavor profiles.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey or plant-based protein for alternative dietary needs, ensuring the same delicious seasoning remains consistent.
• Use pre-cooked rice or quinoa to reduce overall cooking time and simplify preparation for busy home cooks.
• Consider adding extra moisture by splashing a small amount of chicken broth instead of water when baking to enhance the overall flavor and prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg