Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

If you're looking for a satisfying, healthy, and flavorful meal, these Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are the perfect solution! Packed with tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, veggies, and melty cheese, these stuffed peppers are not only nutritious but also easy to make. Whether you're preparing them for a family dinner or meal prep, they’re sure to become a favorite. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Let’s get into the step-by-step guide to make Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers with all the tips you need to make them perfect every time.

What Are Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers?

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are bell peppers filled with a delicious mixture of shredded chicken, cooked rice, vegetables, and seasoning, then baked until tender. They're topped with cheese for a flavorful and satisfying dish. This recipe offers a great balance of protein, carbs, and veggies, making it both nutritious and comforting. You can also play around with the ingredients to make them spicy, cheesy, or even vegetarian.

Ingredients List for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful stuffed peppers:

For the Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color—red, yellow, orange, or green)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

For the Filling:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 chicken breasts)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or any rice you prefer)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• ½ cup frozen corn (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin (optional, for a smoky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)

For Topping:

• Extra shredded cheese (for topping)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very versatile! Here are some substitutions and variations to suit different preferences:

• Quinoa Instead of Rice: Swap out the rice for cooked quinoa for a protein boost and different texture.
• Spicy Peppers: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or use pepper jack cheese for a spicier version.
• Vegan Option: Replace chicken with black beans or crumbled tofu, and use vegan cheese for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and fill the peppers with extra veggies and chicken for a lower-carb meal.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get into the detailed steps to make these Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers.

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the peppers:
   • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside.
   • Drizzle the inside of the peppers with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Arrange the peppers in a baking dish, standing upright. If they don't stand easily, trim the bottom of the peppers slightly to create a flat surface.
3. Pre-bake the peppers:
   Place the peppers in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes to soften them slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Cook the chicken:
   • If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, poach 2 chicken breasts in boiling water for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked. Shred with two forks.
   • You can also use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
2. Cook the rice:
   Prepare the rice according to the package instructions if it’s not already cooked.
3. Sauté the veggies:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Mix the filling:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, sautéed onion, drained diced tomatoes, frozen corn (if using), garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Stuff the peppers:
   Remove the pre-baked peppers from the oven and spoon the chicken and rice mixture into each pepper, filling them generously.
2. Top with cheese:
   Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

1. Bake:
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. Garnish and serve:
   Once the peppers are done baking, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.

How to Make Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pre-bake the Peppers: Pre-baking the peppers helps soften them so they cook evenly with the filling. If you prefer your peppers to be firmer, you can skip this step.
2. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken from a previous meal works wonderfully and saves time.
3. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add in other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or black beans for more flavor and texture in the filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Softening the Peppers: If you skip pre-baking the peppers, they may remain too firm once the filling is fully cooked.
• Overstuffing: Be careful not to overstuff the peppers, as they can overflow while baking. Gently pack the filling in without overfilling.
• Dry Filling: If the filling seems too dry, stir in a little extra marinara sauce, salsa, or chicken broth to keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and beautiful dish that works for both casual dinners and meal prep.

How to Serve Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

• Family-Style: Serve the stuffed peppers straight from the baking dish, allowing each person to grab their own pepper.
• With a Side Salad: Pair these peppers with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
• As a Meal Prep: Make these peppers ahead and store them in airtight containers. They can easily be reheated for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Presentation Ideas for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

• Colorful Peppers: Use a variety of bell pepper colors—red, yellow, orange, and green—for a vibrant presentation.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Top with a Drizzle of Sauce: Drizzle salsa, sour cream, or avocado cream over the top before serving for extra flavor.

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe Tips

• Double the Batch: If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, double the recipe and bake two trays of peppers.
• Freeze for Later: These stuffed peppers freeze well. Prepare and bake the peppers, then let them cool completely before wrapping in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.
• Add Extra Sauce: If you like a saucy filling, mix in ½ cup of salsa or marinara sauce with the chicken and rice mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance. Just assemble the peppers, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
A: Absolutely! Let the cooked stuffed peppers cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven for a quick meal later.

Q: Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
A: Yes! Quinoa is a great alternative to rice in this recipe and adds extra protein and fiber.

Conclusion

These Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With a filling of tender chicken, rice, veggies, and cheese, they offer a delicious blend of textures and flavors. Customize them with your favorite toppings and enjoy this healthy, comfort-food classic!

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