Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The Tastiest Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Crafting delectable shredded chicken & rice stuffed peppers becomes a culinary adventure for home cooks seeking comfort and flavor.

Vibrant bell peppers burst with savory goodness, promising a meal that delights every palate.

Tender chicken mingles with fluffy rice, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Southwestern spices whisper promises of excitement in each carefully prepared bite.

Colorful and nutritious, these stuffed peppers bring restaurant-quality dining right to your kitchen table.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dish that impresses without complicated techniques.

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers That Impress

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Combine ingredients quickly in one bowl, stuff peppers effortlessly, and create a complete meal with minimal kitchen work.
  • Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Pack protein-rich chicken, fiber-loaded beans and corn, and vitamin-packed bell peppers into a single delicious dish that satisfies and nourishes.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on preferences – use different proteins, beans, or cheeses to match family tastes and dietary needs while keeping the core recipe structure intact.
  • Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Transform classic stuffed peppers into a colorful, cheesy meal that entices children with its vibrant appearance and familiar flavors, making dinnertime enjoyable for everyone.

What Goes Into Stuffed Peppers with Chicken & Rice

Main Ingredients:
  • Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful vegetables that serve as the edible vessel for the stuffing.
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and protein-rich meat that provides the main protein for the dish.
  • Cooked Rice: Fluffy grain that adds substance and helps bind the stuffing together.
Cheese and Sauce:
  • Shredded Cheese, Marinara Sauce: Creamy cheese and tangy sauce that add rich flavor and moisture to the stuffed peppers.
Beans and Vegetables:
  • Corn, Black Beans, Garlic Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Hearty beans and corn that provide texture and southwestern-style flavor to the stuffing.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt, Pepper, Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and fresh herbs that add a bright finishing touch.

How to Stuff and Bake Chicken & Rice Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Set the oven to 375F (190C).

Lightly grease a baking dish that will comfortably hold all the peppers.

Step 2: Prepare Bell Peppers

Slice off the tops of bell peppers.

Remove all seeds and white membranes.

Place the hollowed peppers into the greased baking dish.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cooked rice
  • Shredded cheese
  • Marinara sauce
  • Corn kernels
  • Black beans
  • Garlic powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Generously fill each bell pepper with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing down slightly to pack the filling.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 6: Bake the Peppers

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until peppers become tender and cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro or parsley over the peppers just before serving.

Insider Tips for Stuffed Peppers Success

  • Pat bell peppers dry before stuffing to remove excess moisture and maintain a firm texture.
  • Toast spices like cumin and paprika in a dry pan before adding to the mixture for enhanced aromatic qualities.
  • Replace chicken with ground turkey, black beans, or tofu for versatile vegetarian or alternative protein options.
  • Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfect melty consistency.
  • Assemble stuffed peppers a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations on Stuffed Peppers to Try

  • Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Replace shredded chicken with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, lentils, or quinoa for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or riced zucchini to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like marinara sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Mexican-Style Variation: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and include taco seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor profile.

Serving Your Stuffed Peppers

  • Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Top peppers with chopped cilantro or parsley for a bright, zesty flavor that adds color and freshness to the dish.
  • Mexican Fiesta Side: Serve alongside guacamole, salsa, or sour cream to create a complete southwestern-style meal with complementary flavors.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or pair with a small side salad to increase protein content and create a balanced, nutritious dinner.
  • Zesty Lime Drizzle: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the stuffed peppers just before serving to enhance the dish's vibrant, tangy profile.

How to Store Stuffed Peppers Correctly

  • Store stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air pockets remain.
  • Place pepper on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking midway to prevent overcooking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place peppers in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding extra cheese if desired for fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

  • Are bell peppers good for stuffing?

Bell peppers are perfect for stuffing because their sturdy walls hold fillings well, they roast beautifully, and provide natural portion control while adding nutritional value.

  • Can I use different types of protein in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute shredded chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based alternatives like tofu or lentils for a versatile dish.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Choose brown rice instead of white rice, use low-fat cheese, add more vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach, and opt for lean protein to boost the nutritional profile.

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Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Mexican-inspired Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers deliver a zesty symphony of flavors in each colorful bell pepper. Hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup black beans
  • 1/2 cup corn

Grains and Base:

  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 4 large bell peppers

Seasonings and Cheese:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice off the pepper tops and meticulously remove all seeds and inner membranes, creating hollow vessels for stuffing.
  3. Craft a vibrant filling by thoroughly blending shredded chicken, fluffy rice, melted cheese, zesty marinara, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and a medley of aromatic spices until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. Generously pack each pepper cavity with the robust chicken and rice mixture, ensuring a dense and flavorful stuffing.
  5. Sprinkle an additional layer of cheese across the pepper tops for a golden, melted finish.
  6. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and roast for 30 minutes, allowing peppers to soften and flavors to meld together.
  7. Uncover the dish and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until peppers reach a tender consistency and cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed crust.
  8. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley, adding a vibrant and aromatic final touch before serving.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by roasting peppers briefly before stuffing to intensify their natural sweetness and soften texture.
  • Swap white rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb and gluten-free alternatives that boost nutritional value.
  • Prepare filling ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to allow spices to meld and develop deeper, richer taste profile.
  • For vegetarian version, replace chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu to maintain protein content.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.

Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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