If you are on the hunt for a comforting and vibrant meal that brings together bold flavors and gooey cheese, the Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a perfect blend of spices, all nestled inside brightly colored bell peppers and topped with melted mozzarella for that unbeatable cheesy pull. It’s an inviting meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, fresh, and each one plays an integral role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make these stuffed peppers so delightful.
- Bell Peppers: Choose any color you like; they serve as a sweet, tender vessel packed with goodness.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast: The hearty protein base that keeps the dish satisfying and wholesome.
- Cooked White or Brown Rice: Adds fluffy body to the filling and helps bind everything together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharpness and richness to every bite.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that ooey-gooey topping we all love.
- Salsa or Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- Chopped Green Onions: Freshness and a mild crunch to brighten flavors.
- Garlic Powder: Deepens the savory notes effortlessly.
- Ground Cumin: Introduces a warm, earthy aroma that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Chili Powder: Gives a gentle kick without overwhelming the palate.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that ties all the components together beautifully.
- Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish, promoting even cooking and adding a subtle richness.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Cut the bell peppers in half and carefully remove all the seeds and membranes. Arrange these pepper halves cut side up in the prepared dish—they create the perfect little bowls ready to be filled.
Step 2: Combining the Filling
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cooked rice, salsa or diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture is the heart of the recipe, bursting with complementary textures and flavors.
Step 3: Stuffing the Peppers
Spoon the flavorful filling evenly into each pepper half, pressing it down a little so it’s packed nicely. This ensures every bite has the delicious mixture you’re craving. After filling, generously top each pepper with shredded mozzarella for that signature cheesy finish.
Step 4: Baking to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil to keep everything moist and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the peppers have softened but still hold their shape. Allow them to cool slightly before serving to let all the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice can also bring an extra tangy brightness that makes the dish truly pop.
Side Dishes
These stuffed peppers shine on their own but pairing them with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds refreshing crunch. Roasted vegetables or a simple garlic bread make for excellent companions that round out this wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve each stuffed pepper half on a small plate with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat lovers. You can also hollow out mini bell peppers for bite-sized appetizers at parties—just halve the ingredients accordingly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making for an even tastier second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap each individually or place in a freezer-safe container. When ready, bake them from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works too but may soften the peppers more than baking.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and can provide a different texture that’s equally tasty. Just cook it thoroughly before combining with the other filling ingredients.
Is there a low-carb version of this recipe?
Definitely! Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to cut down on carbs without sacrificing volume or taste. It blends seamlessly with the chicken and spices.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the chicken with black beans, corn, or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version that’s still protein-packed and delicious.
What type of cheese works best if I want to switch it up?
Mozzarella and cheddar are classic, but you could try Monterey Jack for meltiness or pepper jack for a little spice, which adds a nice twist to the flavor profile.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild warmth from the chili powder and cumin, but it’s easy to adjust according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder or using a spicier salsa.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, the Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is bound to become a new favorite in your rotation. The colorful presentation, layered flavors, and irresistible cheesy goodness make it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and watch how it brightens up your dinner table!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, rice, cheese, and spices, then baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delicious blend of melted cheese and tender vegetables in every bite.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Other
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil, then arrange the halved and seeded bell peppers cut side up in the dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, salsa or diced tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each bell pepper half, pressing down gently to pack the mixture firmly.
- Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and peppers to soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the mozzarella is bubbly and slightly golden and the peppers are tender.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for about 5 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation time.
- Substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Add black beans or corn into the filling mixture for added flavor and texture.
