Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The Best Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe Ever

Crafting delicious shredded chicken & rice stuffed peppers brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Colorful bell peppers become magical vessels for a hearty filling bursting with flavor.

Tender chicken mingles with fluffy rice, creating a balanced meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

Mediterranean and southwest influences dance through each carefully seasoned bite.

peppers roast until their edges caramelize, developing deep, rich notes that complement the savory interior.

Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, this dish promises a delightful culinary adventure.

You’ll want to make extra servings because everyone will be asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • Are bell peppers a healthy ingredient for this recipe?

Bell peppers are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and low in calories, making them an excellent base for a nutritious meal.

  • Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based protein like tofu work great as alternatives to shredded chicken in this recipe.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, these stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and baked when ready to eat, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal planning.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing and mixing ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers: Hearty and Satisfying

  • Breeze Through Preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this recipe a stress-free culinary adventure for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for ground turkey or use different cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Pack Nutritional Power: Combining protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed bell peppers, and wholesome rice creates a balanced meal that delivers essential nutrients in one delicious dish.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the colorful presentation and comforting flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

Main Ingredients:
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful and crisp vegetables that serve as the edible vessel for the delicious stuffing.
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender and protein-rich meat that provides a hearty base for the stuffing.
  • Rice: A fluffy and filling grain that helps bind the stuffing together.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that add depth and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Onions: Aromatic vegetables that provide a sweet and savory foundation to the stuffing.
Cheese and Garnish:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melty and creamy topping that adds richness and a golden-brown finish to the stuffed peppers.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright and herbaceous garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor.
Additional Components:
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sauté the onions and add a smooth base to the dish.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy ingredient that brings moisture and additional flavor to the stuffing.

Preparing Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Stepwise

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the delicious peppers.

Step 2: Prepare Peppers

Slice off the pepper tops and gently remove all the seeds, creating perfect little boats for your filling.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook onions until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Combine in a mixing bowl:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Fluffy rice
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sautéed onions
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure each bite is packed with deliciousness.

Step 5: Stuff And Top Peppers

Fill each pepper generously with the chicken and rice mixture, then crown them with a layer of shredded cheese for extra indulgence.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover snugly with aluminum foil, and bake for 25 minutes to let flavors meld together.

Step 7: Final Crispy Touch

Remove foil and return peppers to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to become golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your delectable stuffed peppers!

Expert Tips for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

  • Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to help them stand upright in the baking dish, preventing tipping and ensuring even cooking.
  • Drain canned tomatoes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the stuffing soggy and maintaining a rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Swap shredded chicken with ground turkey, lean beef, or plant-based protein crumbles for different dietary preferences and exciting flavor variations.
  • Let stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, allowing cheese to set and develop a deliciously golden, slightly crispy top.
  • Prepare stuffed peppers up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making meal prep convenient and stress-free.

Variations for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

  • Mexican Fiesta Peppers: Replace shredded chicken with spicy ground beef, add black beans, corn, and swap tomatoes for salsa, sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend.
  • Mediterranean Style Peppers: Use ground lamb, quinoa instead of rice, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and mix with oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Vegetarian Protein Peppers: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or lentils, incorporate spinach and mushrooms, use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace rice with riced cauliflower, keep protein the same, reduce baking time by 5-10 minutes, perfect for keto and paleo diets.

Serving Recommendations for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

  • Fiesta Flavor Boost: Serve with a zesty salsa or fresh pico de gallo to add bright, tangy notes that complement the rich, cheesy peppers.
  • Protein Power Plate: Pair with a light quinoa salad or mixed green side to create a balanced, nutritious meal that feels satisfying and complete.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving to introduce a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
  • Cool Cream Companion: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top to provide a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, savory stuffed peppers.

Storage Advice for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

  • Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
  • Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place a single pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
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Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mexican shredded chicken & rice stuffed peppers deliver hearty comfort with savory spices and robust flavors. Home cooks can craft these colorful bell peppers filled with tender chicken and seasoned rice for a satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese

Vegetables and Grains:

  • 4 large bell peppers
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped onions

Seasonings and Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare bell peppers by carefully slicing off their tops and thoroughly eliminating all internal seeds and membranes.
  2. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and softened.
  3. Create a flavorful filling by combining shredded chicken, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  4. Generously fill each hollowed pepper with the chicken and rice mixture, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
  6. Transfer the peppers to a baking dish, covering tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  7. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes, allowing the peppers to steam and flavors to meld.
  8. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Swap white rice for cauliflower rice to make the dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and added flavor boost.
  • Choose bell peppers in different colors for a vibrant, visually appealing presentation that makes the dish more Instagram-worthy.
  • Experiment with alternative protein sources like black beans or quinoa for vegetarian and plant-based variations.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 238 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 290 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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