Easy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe to Try
If you are craving a vibrant, wholesome, and absolutely delicious meal, this Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based), this dish bursts with flavor and nutrition in every bite. Easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients, Chicken Stuffed Peppers bring a satisfying twist to dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Speedy: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make dinner stress-free.
- Flavor Explosion: Each pepper is bursting with aromatic herbs, savory chicken, and natural juices.
- Colorful Presentation: Bright red, yellow, and green peppers add eye-catching vibrancy to your plate.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced, satisfying meal.
- Customizable Delight: Easily adapted with different spices, vegetables, and plant-based cheeses.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of fresh, simple ingredients is all you need to create these irresistible Chicken Stuffed Peppers. Each component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Bell Peppers: Choose a mix of red, yellow, and green for sweetness, crunch, and visual appeal.
- Ground Chicken: Provides a lean, juicy protein base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with the chicken.
- Garlic (natural): Gives an aromatic punch that awakens the senses.
- Cooked Rice: A gentle binder that adds heartiness and soaks in the savory juices.
- Diced Tomatoes (natural): Offers juiciness, moisture, and a mild tang that balances the dish.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Brings complexity and umami to the stuffing mix.
- Plant-Based Cheese (plant-based): Melts beautifully on top, adding creaminess without overpowering flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note.
- Olive Oil (natural): Used to sauté and add richness to the filling mixture.
- Spices: Paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper for warmth and seasoning.
Variations for Chicken Stuffed Peppers
This recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting you to put your own spin on it depending on what’s in your pantry and your personal tastes. Experimenting with textures and flavors makes mealtime fun and tailored perfectly for your cravings.
- Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a lively kick.
- Hearty Grains: Swap rice for quinoa or farro to boost the fiber and protein content.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Herb Variations: Use basil, cilantro, or thyme instead of parsley to change the flavor profile.
- Cheese Choices: Try shredded plant-based mozzarella or sharp cheddar (plant-based) for a different melt and taste.
How to Make Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by washing your bell peppers thoroughly. Cut off the tops and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating a hollow cavity for the filling. Set the peppers aside and chop the removed tops finely for mixing into the stuffing.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken Mixture
Heat olive oil (natural) in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic (natural) and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground chicken and chopped pepper tops, seasoning with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and chopped parsley. Mix everything well so the flavors blend, and heat the mixture until warm.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Fill each hollowed pepper generously with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing down lightly to pack. Sprinkle plant-based cheese (plant-based) over each filled pepper for a delightful, melty finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the bottom to keep them moist during baking. Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, uncovering in the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Choosing Peppers: Look for firm, evenly shaped peppers to hold the stuffing better during baking.
- Pre-Cook Rice: Use leftover rice or cook ahead to save time and ensure the right texture.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space at the top to prevent overflow as they bake and to accommodate cheese melt.
- Rest After Baking: Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving for easier handling and better flavor absorption.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or other herbs make a notable difference in brightening the final taste.
How to Serve Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil (natural) can enhance both the look and flavor of your stuffed peppers beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Stuffed Peppers with a fresh green salad or roasted root vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that’s both colorful and delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve stuffed peppers on a rustic wooden board or brightly colored plates to highlight their vibrant hues. Adding lemon wedges or a light drizzle of natural yogurt dressing elevates the experience even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stuffed peppers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They keep well and maintain their flavor for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked stuffed peppers tightly wrapped in foil and placed in freezer bags. They can last up to 2 months and reheat beautifully without loss of taste.
Reheating
Reheat stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for the best texture, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or even plant-based ground alternatives work wonderfully well and can be swapped based on preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Just ensure the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) is gluten-free and use gluten-free rice or grains to keep it safe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced fresh chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the chicken mixture for an easy spicy boost.
What plant-based cheese (plant-based) do you recommend?
Look for mild melting varieties like plant-based mozzarella or cheddar alternatives that melt nicely and offer creamy texture.
Can I prepare the peppers in advance?
Yes! You can prep the filling and stuff the peppers the day before, storing them covered in the fridge until ready to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe is a joyful celebration of simple ingredients creating something truly special. With its colorful presentation, satisfying flavors, and ease of preparation, it’s a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or weekend treat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this tasty dish as much as I do!
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Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe features tender ground chicken, colorful bell peppers, and creamy plant-based cheese (plant-based) for a vibrant, nutritious, and flavorful meal. Easy to prepare and customizable, it makes a wholesome dinner packed with protein and vegetables that you will want to enjoy again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (red, yellow, green) – tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic (natural), minced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (natural)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut off the tops and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, creating hollow cavities for the filling. Chop the removed tops finely for use in the stuffing mixture.
- Cook the Chicken Mixture: Heat olive oil (natural) in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic (natural) and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Add ground chicken and chopped pepper tops; season with paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles.
- Combine the Filling: Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and chopped parsley. Mix well to blend flavors and heat the mixture until warm.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each hollowed pepper generously with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing down lightly to pack. Sprinkle plant-based cheese (plant-based) over each filled pepper.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the bottom for moisture. Cover loosely with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Uncover during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
Notes
- Choose firm, evenly shaped peppers to hold the stuffing better during baking.
- Use leftover rice or cook rice ahead to save time and ensure the right texture.
- Do not overfill the peppers; leave some space at the top to prevent overflow and accommodate cheese melt.
- Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier handling and better flavor absorption.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or other alternatives to brighten the final taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: chicken stuffed peppers, plant-based cheese, gluten free, baked stuffed peppers, healthy dinner, colorful peppers
