Can I make stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then bake when you’re ready. This makes weeknight dinners so much easier.

Do I need to cook the peppers before stuffing them?

No, you don’t have to. The peppers soften beautifully in the oven. But if you prefer really tender peppers, you can microwave them for 2–3 minutes or quickly boil them before stuffing.

Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes. Assemble the peppers without baking, wrap tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container, and freeze. Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 40–45 minutes. Add cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.

What type of rice works best?

Any rice works—white, brown, jasmine, or basmati. You can even use quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option. Just make sure it’s cooked before mixing it into the filling.

Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Orange Peppers Easy Recipe

Description

Wholesome, colorful, and full of flavor, these shredded chicken & rice stuffed orange peppers are perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

2 large orange bell peppers
1 cup cooked shredded chicken
1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 cup salsa
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds.
Mix shredded chicken, rice, beans, corn, salsa, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill each pepper with the mixture.
Sprinkle cheese on top if using.
Place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese melts.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Swap rice for quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for variety. Prep ahead and refrigerate or freeze for easy meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg