If you’re craving a hearty, colorful, and comforting dinner, these Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are the answer. This classic combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet bell peppers creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. In this guide, we’ll walk through an easy, foolproof stuffed peppers recipe chicken that works perfectly for busy weeknights or meal prep. You’ll also find helpful cooking tips, ingredient swaps, and delicious serving ideas. Using a mix of bright red and deep green bell peppers makes every plate look as good as it tastes—full of flavor, color, and homestyle comfort.
Why We Love Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
A Family Favorite Stuffed Peppers Recipe Chicken Night
Some of my favorite kitchen memories revolve around a bubbling pan of stuffed peppers coming out of the oven—the aroma of roasted peppers filling the air and family gathering around the table in anticipation. My mother’s original stuffed peppers recipe chicken was a staple on chilly evenings, where laughter and stories were shared over each comforting bite. These recipes with chicken and bell peppers were more than just dinner; they were moments of connection and warmth. Using shiny greens and recipes using red peppers, each serving looked like a small edible treasure chest filled with savory goodness—simple, wholesome, and always satisfying.
What makes recipes with chicken and bell peppers so timeless is their simplicity. With just a few pantry staples—juicy chicken, fluffy seasoned rice, and naturally sweet peppers—you can create a wholesome dinner that feels both homey and special. The harmony of flavors balances perfectly: peppery sweetness meets hearty protein and well-seasoned rice in each bite. Plus, this dish’s versatility fits every lifestyle. Families can double the batch for leftovers, busy individuals can meal prep for the week, and anyone can customize the flavors to taste. Whether you prefer recipes using red peppers for sweetness or green peppers for a slight tang, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Before starting this bell pepper recipes with chicken dish, gather your ingredients and a few handy tools. This recipe makes six hearty stuffed peppers, perfect for a family meal or a week’s worth of lunches. Below is an easy-to-follow ingredient table, including a few substitutions to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you lean toward traditional recipes using red peppers or a mix of colorful varieties, every combination works beautifully in this recipe.
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Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers – Easy Bell Pepper Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers combine tender chicken, fluffy rice, and sweet bell peppers for a colorful, comforting meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this easy recipe delivers balanced flavor and cozy homestyle appeal.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a baking dish.
2. Blanch peppers in boiling water for 3–4 minutes, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add onion and garlic, and cook until translucent.
4. Stir in chicken, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato sauce; simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine the chicken mixture with cooked rice and half the cheese in a bowl and adjust seasoning.
6. Fill each pepper with the mixture and place in the baking dish.
7. Top peppers with remaining cheese and cover loosely with foil.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, remove foil, then bake for 10–15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is golden.
9. Let rest a few minutes, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 50
Keywords: stuffed peppers, chicken stuffed peppers, rice stuffed peppers, bell pepper dinner, easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, stuffed peppers recipe chicken, recipes with chicken and bell peppers, recipes using red peppers
Ingredients & Step-by-Step Method for the Perfect Bell Pepper Recipes with Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
| Ingredient | Measurement | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Bell peppers (red, green, or mixed) | 6 large | Red for sweetness, green for a mild bitterness |
| Cooked rice | 2 cups | Use white, brown, or substitute cooked quinoa |
| Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped) | 2 cups | Try ground chicken, turkey, or rotisserie chicken |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Can substitute with avocado or vegetable oil |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium | Adds sweetness and aroma |
| Garlic, minced | 2–3 cloves | Adjust to taste |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup | Can use diced tomatoes for more texture |
| Shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) | 1 cup | Optional, for topping and creamy texture |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Freshly cracked for best flavor |
| Italian seasoning or mixed herbs | 1 tsp | Optional flavor boost |
| Fresh parsley or cilantro | For garnish | Adds color and freshness |
Tip: To make this meal lighter, swap white rice for cauliflower rice or add extra veggies like corn or diced zucchini.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making This Stuffed Peppers Recipe Chicken
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Trim bottoms if needed. Lightly brush insides with olive oil. Blanch in boiling water for 3–4 minutes (optional), then set aside.
- Sauté the Filling Base: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, then add tomato sauce and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Combine the Filling: In a bowl, mix the chicken mixture with rice, taste, adjust seasoning, and stir in half the cheese if desired.
- Fill and Bake the Peppers: Arrange peppers in a baking dish, fill each with the mixture, top with remaining cheese, cover with foil, and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until tender and golden.
- Serve and Garnish: Let rest a few minutes, top with parsley, and serve alongside salad, roasted veggies, or garlic bread.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need: Knife, cutting board, skillet, bowl, 9×13-inch baking dish, aluminum foil.
Pro Tip: For firmer peppers, shorten baking time by 5 minutes and cover to finish cooking from residual heat.
Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas for Recipes with Chicken and Bell Peppers
Flavor Twists and Time-Saving Tips
One of the best things about recipes with chicken and bell peppers is how adaptable they are. Whether you like experimenting with flavors or need quick weeknight shortcuts, these ideas will make your stuffed peppers recipe chicken even easier and more exciting.
- Time-Saving Shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken to save time; go for pre-cooked or leftover rice; and prep peppers ahead of time to store in the fridge up to two days before cooking.
- Flavorful Variations:
- Southwest-style: Add black beans, corn, and chili powder.
- Cheesy Italian: Mix mozzarella, parmesan, and marinara for a recipes using red peppers twist.
- Healthy Mediterranean: Use diced tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta cheese.
- Protein swaps: Try ground turkey or chicken sausage for variety.
Personalize the seasoning with smoked paprika, cumin, or basil to give new life to these recipes with chicken and bell peppers every time you make them.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers
- Perfect Pairings:
- Crisp salads like cucumber or Greek salad keep things refreshing.
- Garlic bread, roasted baby potatoes, or green beans for classic sides.
- Add a drizzle of sour cream or yogurt sauce for creamy contrast.
- Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheat: 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes (cover with a damp towel).
- Freeze: Wrap peppers in foil, store in freezer bags up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready for dinner.
Whether for family dinners, healthy lunches, or gatherings, these Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers show how recipes using red peppers can bring vibrant comfort and versatility to your table.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While this stuffed peppers recipe chicken is a delicious go-to, you can easily use ground turkey, beef, or rotisserie turkey. For a vegetarian spin, replace meat with black beans, lentils, or quinoa — all pair wonderfully with recipes using red peppers.
2. How do I keep peppers firm while baking?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35–40 minutes. Blanch peppers briefly before filling to keep structure but soften slightly, or skip blanching for more crunch. This helps your bell pepper recipes with chicken stay tender yet firm.
3. Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead option. Assemble the peppers a day ahead, refrigerate covered, and bake when needed. You can also freeze baked peppers and reheat later without losing flavor or texture.
4. What type of rice works best for stuffed peppers?
Long-grain white or brown rice offers the best texture in this stuffed peppers recipe chicken. White stays fluffy, brown adds nuttiness, and quinoa or cauliflower rice are great lighter alternatives.
5. How long do leftovers last in the fridge or freezer?
Keep leftover recipes with chicken and bell peppers in the fridge up to 4 days, or freeze individually wrapped peppers up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F until fully warmed through.
Bringing the Perfect Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers to Your Table
When it comes to stuffed peppers ideas that deliver comfort, color, and balanced flavor, few dishes can compete with Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers. Simple ingredients — juicy chicken, tender rice, and vibrant peppers — turn into something wholesome and rewarding.
Whether you’re feeding family, prepping for the week, or exploring new recipes with chicken and bell peppers, this dish always satisfies. It’s flexible enough for creative variations and approachable for every home cook.
Serve it straight from the oven, topped with melted cheese and a sprinkle of herbs. Try this stuffed peppers recipe chicken tonight, share it with loved ones, and enjoy how easy, colorful, and comforting home cooking can be.
