Recipe Name: Chicken-Stuffed Peppers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Recipe Intensity: Moderate
Servings: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Course
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Peppers
- 6 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 pound (450g) boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions
- Sour cream
- Red pepper flakes
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Slice the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Arrange the peppers upright in a baking dish.
If desired, lightly brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil for extra flavor and color during baking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until lightly browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
Add the cooked rice to the chicken mixture and stir well.
Mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the cheddar cheese.
Cook for another minute until everything is combined and heated through.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Using a spoon, carefully fill each bell pepper with the chicken mixture.
Press the filling gently into the peppers so each one is fully packed.
Top each pepper with the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Pour about ¼ cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This helps create steam and keeps the peppers moist.
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Recipe Tips
- Use red or yellow peppers for a sweeter flavor.
- Brown rice can be substituted for white rice for added fiber.
- Rotisserie chicken works well if you’re short on time.
- Add corn, spinach, or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- For a spicy version, mix diced jalapeños into the filling.
- Make the filling a day ahead to save preparation time.
Variations
Mexican-Style Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning and add black beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese.
Low-Carb Version
Replace rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining texture.
Mediterranean Style
Add feta cheese, spinach, olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Allow peppers to cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein
- Family-friendly
- Easy to prepare
- Great for meal prep
- Packed with vegetables
- Customizable with different flavors and ingredients
The roasted peppers become sweet and tender while the chicken filling remains juicy and flavorful. The melted cheese on top adds a rich, comforting finish that makes every bite delicious.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Potassium: 620mg
- Calcium: 180mg
- Iron: 2mg