Chicken Stuffed Peppers (Easy, Cheesy Recipe!)

Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with these incredible Chicken Stuffed Peppers. This recipe packs tender, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a savory blend of seasonings into sweet bell peppers, all baked to perfection under a blanket of bubbly, melted cheese. It’s a satisfying, all-in-one meal that your whole family will request again and again.

If you’re searching for a dish that balances wholesome ingredients with rich, comforting flavor, you’ve found it. These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them a perfect choice for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

The savory chicken and rice filling for stuffed peppers being mixed in a skillet.
Creating the flavorful filling is the heart of this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the roasted bell peppers perfectly complements the savory, cheesy chicken and rice filling.
  • Simple & Straightforward: With clear, step-by-step instructions, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. No complicated techniques here!
  • Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to swap veggies, add spices, or change the cheese to make it your own.
  • Great for Meal Prep: You can easily prepare the filling or even the entire dish ahead of time, saving you precious time on a busy day.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need


This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly memorable meal. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Stuffed Peppers

  • Bell Peppers: Use large, vibrant bell peppers. Red, yellow, or orange peppers are sweeter and work beautifully.
  • Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken is the star. A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver.
  • Cooked Rice: Use your favorite type—white, brown, or even quinoa for a protein boost.
  • Diced Onion & Minced Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational layer of flavor for the filling.
  • Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture and a tangy depth to the chicken and rice mixture.
  • Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack provides the perfect melt and flavor.
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics.

For the Seasoning Mix

  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle, smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
  • Dried Oregano: For a touch of earthy, Mediterranean flair.
  • Cumin: Provides a warm, savory note.
  • Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
A close-up view of a single chicken stuffed pepper, showing the savory chicken and rice filling and bubbly melted cheese.
The perfect bite: savory chicken, rice, and gooey cheese.

How to Make Chicken Stuffed Peppers (Step-by-Step)

Making these cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

Step 1: Prep the Peppers and Oven

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for 15 minutes to soften them slightly. This pre-baking step ensures the peppers are perfectly tender, not crunchy.

Step 2: Cook the Savory Filling

While the peppers are in the oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the shredded chicken, cooked rice, tomato sauce, and your seasoning mix. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and heated through. For a truly delicious filling, consider this creamy garlic chicken as inspiration.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake to Perfection

Remove the pre-baked peppers from the oven. Carefully fill each pepper half with a generous amount of the chicken and rice mixture. Pack it in gently. Top each stuffed pepper with a hefty sprinkle of the shredded cheese blend. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

  • Choose Good Peppers: Look for large, wide bell peppers that can sit flat in the baking dish. This will prevent them from tipping over during baking.
  • Don’t Skip Pre-Baking: Pre-baking the peppers is crucial for ensuring they are tender and cooked through.
  • Cheese is Key: For the best flavor and melt, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its texture.
  • Let Them Rest: Allow the peppers to rest for a few minutes after they come out of the oven. This helps the filling set and makes them easier to serve. Looking for other easy chicken ideas? This baked cream cheese chicken is a guaranteed winner.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

One of the best things about this Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a delicious, lower-carb alternative.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the filling for a spicy kick.
  • Add More Veggies: Mix in corn, black beans, or diced zucchini for extra nutrients and texture.
  • Different Cheeses: Try using pepper jack for some heat, or a sharp provolone for a different flavor profile.

If you enjoy one-pan meals, you might also love this easy sheet pan chicken and veggies recipe for another simple weeknight dinner.

What to Serve with Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These peppers are a fantastic all-in-one meal, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed green beans, or some crusty garlic butter breadsticks are all excellent choices to round out your dinner.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover chicken stuffed peppers store wonderfully! Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick option or place them back in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Yes, we highly recommend pre-baking the peppers for about 15 minutes. This ensures they become tender and cook through at the same rate as the filling, preventing a crunchy pepper shell.


Cooked, shredded chicken works best. For a huge time-saver and great flavor, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice. You can also use leftover baked or poached chicken breasts.


Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.


For a fantastic low-carb version, you can substitute the rice with an equal amount of cauliflower rice. Quinoa is another great option if you’re looking for a protein and fiber boost.


The chicken stuffed peppers are done when the filling is heated through completely and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes in a 400°F (200°C) oven.


The Ultimate Recipe For Chicken Stuffed Peppers

A close-up view of a single chicken stuffed pepper, showing the savory chicken and rice filling and bubbly melted cheese.
FL Recipes

Chicken Stuffed Peppers (Easy, Cheesy Recipe!)

These easy, cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate weeknight dinner! Packed with a savory chicken and rice filling and baked to perfection, this recipe is a guaranteed family favorite.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 pepper halves
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise Seeds and membranes removed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken About 1 rotisserie chicken
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese blend Cheddar and Monterey Jack work well

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
  • 1 Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pepper halves cut-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Drizzle with a little olive oil and bake for 15 minutes to soften.
  2. While peppers bake, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. To the skillet, add the shredded chicken, cooked rice, tomato sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
  4. Remove the peppers from the oven. Divide the chicken and rice mixture evenly among the pepper halves.
  5. Top each stuffed pepper generously with the shredded cheese.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is thoroughly heated. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalProtein: 35gFat: 18gFiber: 4g

Notes

Tip 1: Using a rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
Tip 2: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or black beans to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Tip 3: For best results, use freshly grated cheese.
Keyword cheesy chicken,chicken stuffed peppers,stuffed bell peppers

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This Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that proves wholesome food can be incredibly delicious and comforting. It’s destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation. If you make it, I’d love to see! Share your creations and tag us on Pinterest.

A pan of delicious, cheesy chicken stuffed peppers fresh out of the oven. The ultimate recipe for an easy weeknight dinner.
You won't believe how easy and delicious these chicken stuffed peppers are!

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