Colorful Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Tucking savory shredded chicken & rice into vibrant bell peppers creates a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Colorful peppers transform ordinary ingredients into something magical and comforting.

Packed with protein and wholesome grains, this dish brings excitement to your dinner table.

Mexican-inspired seasoning adds a zesty punch that makes every bite memorable.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a delightful experience for anyone who loves satisfying meals.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with minimal kitchen skills.

Dig in and savor each flavorful, colorful bite that promises to become a new weeknight favorite.

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Make A Balanced Meal

Quick Family Meal: Whip up a delicious dinner that satisfies everyone’s taste buds in under an hour, making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack a punch of protein from chicken and complex carbohydrates from rice, creating a balanced and wholesome meal that keeps you full and energized.

Adaptable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customize with different cheeses, spices, or vegetable additions to suit picky eaters or dietary preferences without compromising flavor.

Minimal Cleanup Hero: Uses just a few kitchen tools – one pan for sautéing, a bowl for mixing, and a baking dish – ensuring quick and easy cleanup after enjoying a delicious meal.

Shredded Chicken Stuffed Peppers Composition

• Bell Peppers: Colorful vessel for the stuffing, best when firm and vibrant with no soft spots.
• Shredded Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty texture and flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Provides sweet and aromatic base for the stuffing mixture.
• Garlic: Adds depth and robust flavor to the overall dish.

• Rice (White or Brown): Provides hearty base and helps bind the stuffing together, white rice offers lighter texture.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness to the stuffing.
• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that complements chicken and provides southwestern profile.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smoky flavor and rich color to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy, melty finish to the stuffed peppers.

• Olive Oil: Helps with drizzling and adds light, smooth coating to peppers.

Rice Stuffed Peppers With Shredded Chicken Steps

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and get ready for some serious flavor magic.

Step 2: Transform Onions And Garlic

Sizzle those onions and garlic in a pan until they dance with aromatic deliciousness.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Tender shredded chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Juicy diced tomatoes
• Caramelized onions and garlic
• Warm cumin
• Smoky paprika
• Salt and pepper for zesty seasoning

Stir everything until it becomes a mouthwatering blend.

Step 4: Stuff The Peppers

Carefully fill each bell pepper with the incredible chicken-rice mixture, making sure every pepper gets packed with goodness.

Step 5: Prepare For Baking

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and completely cover with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Then remove the foil, sprinkle cheese if desired, and bake another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and peppers become wonderfully tender.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and serve these incredible stuffed peppers piping hot.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Stuffed Peppers With Chicken – Simple Prep Tips

• Select firm, vibrant bell peppers without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
• Customize spice levels by adding chili powder or cayenne for extra heat or fresh herbs like cilantro for brightness.
• Pat bell peppers dry before stuffing and use a shallow baking dish to prevent excess moisture accumulation.
• Prepare stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey, black beans, or quinoa for vegetarian and diverse dietary options.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Chicken and Rice Peppers

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen stuffed peppers maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place pepper on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 2-3 minutes, checking midway to ensure even warming.

Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Pairings

• Refresh with Zesty Citrus Salad: Complement the savory stuffed peppers with a light, tangy salad featuring mixed greens, orange segments, and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Pour a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spices and bring out the subtle flavors of the chicken and bell peppers.
• Cool Down with Creamy Tzatziki: Serve a side of Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce for a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced stuffed peppers, adding a fresh and creamy element to the meal.
• Boost with Fresh Cilantro Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top to add a bright, herbal note that elevates the overall taste and provides a pop of color.

Stuffed Peppers with Chicken and Rice Combos

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute shredded chicken with black beans, quinoa, or tofu crumbles to create a plant-based version of the stuffed peppers.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and oregano to transform the recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired dish with extra zesty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, using gluten-free spices and checking rice packaging to accommodate individuals with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of bell peppers?

Yes, you can use any color bell peppers like red, yellow, or green. Each color offers a slightly different flavor and nutrition profile, so feel free to mix and match.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and check that your spices are certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels if you have dietary restrictions.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What protein alternatives can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute chicken with ground turkey, black beans, or plant-based protein crumbles to create a different version of this dish while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers deliver a flavor-packed meal combining tender bell peppers with savory seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. Simmered in zesty sauce and topped with melted cheese, you’ll savor this comforting dish that brings southwestern charm straight to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut and seeds removed
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained

Grains and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish for the colorful bell peppers.
2. Heat a skillet and gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken, perfectly cooked rice, tangy diced tomatoes, caramelized onions, fragrant garlic, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and seasoning.
4. Carefully hollow out bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes to create edible vessels for the flavorful mixture.
5. Generously fill each pepper with the robust chicken and rice medley, ensuring a compact and even distribution.
6. Arrange the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish, drizzling a light stream of olive oil over their surfaces.
7. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil, protecting the peppers from direct heat.
8. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and peppers to soften.
9. Remove the foil, optionally sprinkle a layer of melting cheese across the peppers, and return to the oven.
10. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust and the peppers reach perfect tenderness.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest briefly before serving these vibrant, flavor-packed stuffed peppers.

Notes

• Choose peppers with a sturdy, upright shape to ensure they stand well and hold the filling without collapsing during baking.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly shred chicken breasts for a time-saving preparation technique.
• Swap white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to make the dish lower-carb and more nutrient-dense for health-conscious eaters.
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream on top for extra creaminess and a tangy flavor contrast to the spiced filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg