Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Colorful & Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe – Family Hit

Creamy chicken stuffed peppers redefine ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures that spark excitement at the dinner table.

Bold flavors and comforting textures merge to create a dish bursting with unexpected deliciousness.

These colorful bell peppers serve as delectable vessels for a rich, savory filling that promises pure satisfaction.

Tender chicken blends seamlessly with smooth, velvety ingredients, creating a harmonious mixture that tantalizes taste buds.

Each pepper becomes a canvas for a delightful medley of proteins and seasonings, promising a nutritious and indulgent meal.

Packed with wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between gourmet appeal and home-style comfort.

Simple techniques and minimal ingredients guarantee a stress-free cooking experience that delivers maximum flavor.

Why These Peppers Are Packed With Comfort

  • Effortless One-Pan Comfort: Dive into a hassle-free meal that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender bell peppers, creating a delightful dinner option that requires minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Protein-Packed Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a satisfying dish that blends shredded chicken with zesty salsa verde, rich cream cheese, and melted cheddar, delivering a mouthwatering combination of textures and tastes in every single bite.
  • Quick Weeknight Wellness Hack: Transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking a nutritious and delicious dinner that feels like a gourmet experience without complex cooking techniques.

What Goes Into Creamy Chicken Goodness

Main Ingredients:

Bell Peppers: – Bell Peppers: Colorful vessels for the creamy chicken filling, provide a sweet and crisp base for the dish.

  • Chicken: Tender and protein-rich, the star of the stuffing that brings heartiness to the peppers.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, smooth texture and creamy consistency to the filling.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty flavor and golden topping for the stuffed peppers.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Paprika, Onion Powder: Warm, aromatic spices that add depth and complexity to the chicken mixture.
  • Salsa Verde: Brings tangy, zesty notes and moisture to the stuffing.
  • Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds a bright, green accent to the dish.

How to Fill and Bake to Golden Warmth

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Prepare Bell Peppers

Slice bell peppers in half and remove seeds and inner membranes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Cream cheese
  • Salsa verde
  • Cheddar cheese

Step 4: Add Protein and Herbs

Gently fold in:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Chopped scallions

Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Distribute the chicken mixture evenly among pepper halves.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining of cheddar cheese over stuffed peppers.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover peppers with foil to prevent sticking.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Tender Peppers

  • Choose Fresh Peppers: Select firm, vibrant bell peppers without blemishes to ensure the best texture and flavor in your stuffed peppers.
  • Shred Chicken Perfectly: Use two forks to pull apart warm chicken for more consistent, tender meat that blends smoothly into the filling.
  • Balance Moisture Levels: Pat chicken dry before mixing to prevent excess liquid from making the stuffing too runny.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Allow the reserved cheddar to reach room temperature before sprinkling for more even melting and golden brown color.
  • Foil Covering Technique: Create a loose tent with aluminum foil to prevent direct contact with the cheese and allow proper heat circulation while baking.

Keeping Leftovers Creamy and Not Mushy

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed peppers maintain quality for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated peppers in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For frozen peppers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Pairings That Enhance the Richness

  • Sip Zesty Margaritas: Pair the creamy chicken peppers with a tangy margarita that complements the salsa verde's bright flavors and cuts through the rich cream cheese.
  • Crunch Fresh Salad: Serve a crisp green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to balance the hearty stuffed peppers and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken filling.
  • Pour Mexican-Style Beer: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to enhance the southwestern flavors and provide a cool, crisp accompaniment that matches the dish's zesty profile.
  • Drizzle Cilantro Crema: Add a homemade cilantro crema on the side for an extra layer of creamy texture that amplifies the peppers' southwestern essence and adds a fresh herbal note.

Stuffed Pepper Ideas for a Fresh Spin

  • Spicy Southwest Stuffers: Replace salsa verde with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and add diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Mix in black beans and corn for a heartier filling.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Peppers: Swap cream cheese for feta, use oregano and thyme instead of paprika. Include chopped spinach and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Tex-Mex Loaded Pepper Boats: Incorporate taco seasoning, ground beef alongside shredded chicken, and top with fresh pico de gallo after baking. Sprinkle with Mexican blend cheese for added zest.
  • Creamy Pesto Chicken Peppers: Mix in basil pesto instead of salsa verde, use mozzarella cheese, and add sun-dried tomatoes for a bright Italian-style version of the original recipe.
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Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy chicken stuffed peppers deliver a Mediterranean-inspired comfort meal packed with rich flavors. Herbed cream cheese, tender chicken, and roasted bell peppers combine in a delightful dish you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups shredded chicken breast (equivalent to 2 chicken breasts)
  • 3 bell peppers, halved, seeds and ribs removed

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) reduced-fat cheddar cheese, grated

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • ½ cup salsa verde
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 scallions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the middle of the oven for even cooking.
  2. Carefully slice bell peppers lengthwise, removing all seeds and white membrane with a sharp paring knife to create clean, even halves.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground paprika, dried onion powder, softened cream cheese, tangy salsa verde, and 85 grams of shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Gently incorporate shredded cooked chicken and finely chopped green onions into the creamy mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Arrange pepper halves on a clean baking dish and methodically spoon the chicken filling into each pepper cavity, creating a generous and even layer.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining 28 grams of cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper for an additional layer of cheesy goodness.
  7. Loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent cheese from burning and protect the peppers during cooking.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, checking periodically to ensure peppers become tender and filling reaches a thoroughly heated state.

Notes

  • Swap traditional bell peppers with different colors for a vibrant presentation that makes the dish pop.
  • Shred rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the stuffing mixture.
  • Drain salsa verde thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the filling soggy and runny.
  • Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Use a sharp knife to create clean pepper halves that sit evenly in the baking dish.
  • Customize heat levels by selecting mild or spicy salsa verde based on personal preference.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 276 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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