Introduction
Enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with these stuffed bell peppers featuring flavorful chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a cheesy topping. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, where the bright colors and bold flavors are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of one lime
1 small onion, sliced into thin strips
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
4 green bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
1 cup cooked white rice (alternatively, brown or Spanish rice)
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Place the halved green bell peppers in a baking dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken strips. Season the chicken with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and lime juice.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
When the chicken is nearly cooked, add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender.
Step 6: Combine Rice and Chicken Mixture
Stir the cooked rice into the skillet, mixing all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 7: Stuff the Bell Peppers
Fill each green bell pepper half with the chicken and rice mixture.
Step 8: Add Cheese
Top each stuffed pepper with shredded Mexican blend cheese.
Step 9: Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender to your liking.
Notes
Cooking Time Variation
Cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the bell peppers and the oven used.
Substitutions
Feel free to substitute different types of cheese or add additional spices to customize the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers can be served with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Prepping the Ingredients
Cut chicken breasts into strips, slice the onion and bell peppers, and prepare the rice according to package instructions. Having everything ready before cooking streamlines the process.
Seasoning the Chicken
In a skillet, cook the chicken and season it with paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and lime juice to enhance the flavor. This ensures that the chicken is both aromatic and flavorful.
Sautéing Vegetables
Add sliced onion and bell peppers to the skillet as the chicken nears completion. Sauté until tender to provide a delicious blend of textures and flavors.
Combining Ingredients
Mix the sautéed chicken and vegetables with the cooked rice in the skillet. This creates a cohesive filling for the stuffed peppers.
Stuffing the Peppers
Fill halved green bell peppers with the chicken and rice mixture. This presentation not only looks appealing but also allows the peppers to absorb some of the flavors.
Baking the Stuffed Peppers
Bake in a preheated oven until the peppers are tender. This method allows the cheese to melt beautifully while further enhancing the flavors inside the peppers.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey, ground beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
What can I use instead of white rice?
You can use brown rice, Spanish rice, or even quinoa if you prefer a healthier or gluten-free option.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done baking?
The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape. You can test them by piercing with a fork.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prep the filling and stuff the peppers a few hours ahead of time. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What cheeses can I use if I don’t have a Mexican blend?
You can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese as alternatives.
Conclusion
The stuffed green bell peppers offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, with tender chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a cheesy topping that is sure to please. This dish is not only satisfying but also provides a healthy dose of nutrients, making it a great choice for a family meal. Enjoying these peppers will surely bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Fajita Bowl
Create a fajita bowl by serving the seasoned chicken and vegetables over a bed of rice, topped with avocado, salsa, and sour cream.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Swap the green bell peppers for halved zucchini. Stuff with the chicken and rice mixture, and top with cheese before baking for a healthy alternative.
Chicken Tacos
Use the same chicken preparation but serve in taco shells with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and guacamole.
Rice and Bean Casserole
Mix cooked rice with black beans, seasoned chicken, and cheese to create a hearty casserole, baked until bubbly and golden.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Incorporate the chicken and your choice of vegetables for a quick stir-fry, served over rice or noodles for a fast weeknight meal.
Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with the chicken, cheese, and vegetables, then grill until crispy for delicious quesadillas that can be served with salsa.
