Delight your taste buds with this incredible recipe for Chicken Stuffed Peppers. Featuring tender, vibrant bell peppers generously filled with a creamy, perfectly seasoned chicken mixture and crowned with a layer of bubbly, melted cheese, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering a burst of flavor and a satisfying texture in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, these stuffed peppers are surprisingly easy to prepare and promise a delicious outcome.
A Colorful and Healthier Dinner Option
Chicken Stuffed Peppers offer a fantastic twist on a classic comfort food, presenting a lighter and often more colorful alternative to traditional Ground Beef Stuffed Peppers. This recipe is not only incredibly versatile but also bursts with rich flavors that will make it a staple in your weekly meal rotation. Perfect for those seeking a fresh, exciting dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, this dish truly checks all the boxes. One of its greatest advantages is the minimal prep time required—just 10 minutes—making it an ideal solution for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. You get all the comfort and satisfaction of a hearty meal without the extensive effort.
“These were the best stuffed peppers I have ever made. Great recipe!”
– Elizabeth
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Stuffed Peppers
For this particular recipe, we’ve opted for a slightly different approach by halving the bell peppers lengthwise before filling them. This makes them easier to eat and serve, especially if you find yourself slicing traditional whole stuffed peppers anyway. However, if you prefer the classic look and feel of a whole stuffed pepper, you absolutely can! Simply cut off the tops, remove the seeds and core, fill them as directed, and then bake. Both methods yield delicious results, so choose what best suits your preference and dining style.
Many people enjoy a richer, saucier experience with their stuffed peppers, and that’s perfectly fine! To achieve this, we recommend heating up a good quality tomato sauce. Look for one that’s already seasoned with classic Italian herbs like garlic, basil, and oregano to complement the chicken filling. Once heated, you can generously drizzle this savory sauce over the cooked stuffed peppers before serving. This simple addition adds an extra layer of moisture and depth of flavor that can elevate your meal.
Absolutely! These chicken stuffed peppers are an excellent option for meal prepping. You can assemble them completely the day before you plan to bake and serve them. Store the prepared peppers in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop them into the oven and follow the baking instructions. This makes them ideal for entertaining guests or preparing a fuss-free dinner during a busy week.
For those who love the added texture and heartiness that rice brings to stuffed peppers, feel free to incorporate it into this recipe. We suggest adding about one cup of cooked rice directly into the chicken filling mixture. To ensure the filling remains moist and doesn’t dry out during baking, consider not draining the diced petite tomatoes. The liquid from the tomatoes will help keep the rice tender and the overall filling deliciously juicy. This simple modification can make the dish even more substantial and filling.
Yes, adapting this recipe for your Instant Pot is a great idea for a quicker cooking time. You can prepare the chicken filling and stuff the bell peppers as described in this recipe. Then, instead of baking, follow the specific instructions from our Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers recipe to finish the cooking process. The Instant Pot will ensure the peppers are perfectly tender and the filling is cooked through efficiently.
For a convenient, hands-off cooking method, the slow cooker is an excellent choice. You’ll prepare the bell peppers and the chicken filling in the same manner outlined in this recipe. Once assembled, transfer them to your slow cooker and then refer to our dedicated Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers recipe for cooking times and specific instructions. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in incredibly tender peppers and a deeply flavorful filling.
Storing leftovers is simple, making this an amazing dish for meal prepping throughout the week. Once cooled, place any remaining chicken stuffed peppers in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick meal, or for best results, warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, which helps maintain the pepper’s texture and keeps the cheese delightfully melted.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Crafting these delectable chicken stuffed peppers requires a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Below is a detailed list of what you’ll need, along with tips for customization and ingredient alternatives:
- Bell Peppers: Use a variety of red, yellow, orange, and green bell peppers for a visually stunning and flavor-diverse dish. Each color offers a slightly different sweetness level and nutrient profile. While a mix is recommended for vibrancy, feel free to use your favorite single color or any combination you prefer. Choosing firm, unblemished peppers will ensure the best texture after baking.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar provides a classic, sharp flavor and melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy topping. However, you have plenty of room to experiment! Colby, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for a spicy kick), or even mozzarella are all excellent choices that will deliver delicious results. Freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient that gives our chicken filling its incredibly creamy and rich texture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature before mixing to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform consistency. If you’re in a hurry, check out our helpful Tips to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly.
- Yellow Onion: Finely diced yellow onion adds a foundational savory sweetness to the filling, complementing the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Seasonings: Our recipe calls for a balanced blend of paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination creates a warm, aromatic profile that pairs wonderfully with chicken. Feel free to adjust these to your taste. For a different culinary experience, consider using fajita or taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired twist, or even a dash of dried oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the filling to perfection. Always taste and adjust to your preference.
- Red Pepper Flakes: This ingredient is entirely optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a subtle warmth and a little kick in your dish. A small amount goes a long way to enhance the overall flavor complexity.
- Cooked and Diced Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover chicken, making dinner prep even faster! If you need to cook chicken specifically for this recipe, consider methods like making Air Fryer Chicken Breast for quick results, or preparing Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for tender, easily incorporated meat. In a pinch, canned chicken can be used, or you could substitute cooked ground chicken for a different texture.
- Diced Petite Tomatoes: These add a lovely acidity and moisture to the filling. A key tip: if you prefer your filling to be a little more “juicy” and moist, do not drain the tomatoes. The liquid will be absorbed by the other ingredients during baking, preventing any dryness. If you prefer a firmer filling, go ahead and drain them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistible Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Follow these simple instructions to create a memorable meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Precision in each step ensures perfectly cooked peppers and a flavorful, creamy filling.
Prepare the Peppers: Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F (175° C). Take each of your chosen bell peppers and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. With a spoon or your hands, remove all the seeds and the white membrane (core) from the inside of each pepper half. Arrange the cleaned bell pepper halves, cut side facing up, in a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prepares them for receiving the delicious filling.
Create the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, the softened 8-ounce block of cream cheese, the finely diced yellow onion, 1 teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of coarse kosher salt. If you’re adding a hint of spice, now is the time to include the ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix all these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and form a smooth, creamy base. Ensure there are no large lumps of cream cheese.
Fold in Chicken and Tomatoes: To the creamy base in the large bowl, add the 4 cups of cooked and diced chicken and the 14.5-ounce can of diced petite tomatoes. Remember to drain the tomatoes if you prefer a less juicy filling, or leave them undrained for added moisture. Gently fold these ingredients into the cheese and spice mixture until everything is evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the chicken.
Fill and Top: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, mounding it slightly to fill them to the brim. Once all peppers are filled, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. This final layer of cheese will melt into a golden, gooey crust during baking.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender-crisp and the filling is heated through. The foil helps steam the peppers, ensuring they soften nicely without drying out. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil.
Broil for a Golden Finish: Increase your oven’s temperature setting to broil on high. Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven for just a couple of minutes, or until the cheese topping turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes bubbly. A crucial note: never step away from your oven while broiling. Food can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so keep a very close eye on it during this step. Once golden, carefully remove the dish from the oven.
Garnish and Serve: For an optional touch of freshness and vibrant color, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley over the hot stuffed peppers before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, flavorful Chicken Stuffed Peppers!
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
If you’re a fan of stuffed peppers or hearty chicken dishes, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes that offer similar comfort and flavor:
- Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers – For hands-off convenience.
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole – All the flavors in an easy casserole format.
- Stuffed Pepper Soup – A comforting bowl of deconstructed stuffed pepper goodness.
- Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers – Quick and efficient pressure cooking.
- Stuffed Peppers for Two – Perfectly portioned for smaller households.
- Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers – A delicious fusion of two favorites.
- Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup – A speedy soup version for your Instant Pot.
- Chicken Cheesesteak Casserole – Another cheesy chicken bake.
- Crock Pot Pepper Steak – Tender steak and peppers made easy.
- Steak Tips with Peppers – A quick and flavorful skillet meal.
- Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers – Another slow cooker favorite with bold flavors.
Chicken Stuffed Peppers
This recipe for Chicken Stuffed Peppers is made with tender bell peppers filled to the brim with a creamy, seasoned chicken filling and topped with melted cheese!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 1 orange bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided use)
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups cooked and diced chicken
- 14.5 ounce can diced petite tomatoes, drained (or undrained for juicier filling)
- 2 Tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C). Cut each of the bell peppers in half lengthwise. Seed and core the insides thoroughly. Place the bell peppers, cut side up, in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, the 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese, ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon coarse kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Add 4 cups of cooked and diced chicken and the 14.5-ounce can of diced petite tomatoes (drained or undrained, based on preference) to the bowl with the creamy mixture. Mix everything together until just combined.
Evenly distribute the chicken mixture into each of the prepared bell pepper halves in the baking dish.
Top each filled pepper with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp. Remove the foil.
Turn the oven to broil on high. Broil for just a couple of minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly. Note: Monitor closely as broiling can quickly burn food. Do not leave the oven unattended.
Optionally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley on top for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Refer to the FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or common questions.
- For saucier stuffed peppers, heat a can of tomato sauce seasoned with basil, garlic, and oregano, then drizzle over each serving.
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Estimates per serving:
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 44g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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