Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

If you are looking for a delightful and comforting dish, look no further than Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers. This recipe is perfect for brunch, dinner, or even lunch, making it incredibly versatile. The creamy filling combined with the vibrant bell peppers creates a colorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s low in carbs while being high in flavor, making it a standout choice for various occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can have these tasty stuffed peppers ready in just over an hour.
Flavorful Filling: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and salsa verde gives each pepper a rich and creamy taste.
Healthy Option: Packed with shredded chicken and fresh ingredients, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a main course or side dish; they fit perfectly into any meal setting.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and simply bake when you’re ready to serve.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and provides enough space for all the stuffed peppers.
Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine the filling ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

If you are looking for a satisfying low carb meal, this is it. Halved bell peppers are stuffed with a delicious mixture of shredded chicken breast, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, scallions and salsa verde. Topped with more cheese and baked until tender, these stuffed peppers come together in no time at all. Use a rotisserie chicken as a shortcut, and there’s barely any prep time for this recipe. Creamy, filling, healthy and delicious: creamy chicken stuffed peppers.

For the Peppers

3 bell peppers (halved, seeds and ribs removed)

For the Filling

4 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded, equivalent to 2 chicken breasts)
1/2 cup salsa verde
4 oz reduced fat cream cheese (Used: Philadelphia 1/3 Less Fat)
4 oz reduced fat cheddar cheese (grated, Used: Cabot Sharp Cheddar 75% Reduced Fat)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 scallions

How to Make Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your stuffed peppers will cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Half each bell pepper by slicing lengthwise.
Remove the seeds and ribs from each half.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, cream cheese, salsa verde, and 3 oz of cheddar, reserving the other 1 oz of cheddar.
Fold in the shredded chicken breast and chopped scallions. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Fill each halved pepper with equal amounts of the creamy chicken filling.

Step 5: Add Cheese on Top

Sprinkle the remaining 1 oz of cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper for added flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with tented foil to prevent sticking. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peppers are tender.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy chicken stuffed peppers! They are sure to impress at any meal!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Serving Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers can be a delightful experience, enhancing both the flavors and presentation of your meal. These stuffed peppers are versatile and can be paired with various sides or garnishes to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

A refreshing green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the stuffed peppers.

Add a Side of Quinoa

Quinoa is a nutritious grain that adds texture and is an excellent source of protein. Serve it seasoned with herbs for added flavor.

Serve with Avocado Slices

Creamy avocado slices provide a rich contrast to the peppers’ filling. They add healthy fats and a smooth texture to each bite.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of freshness and color to your dish, enhancing its visual appeal.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

To achieve the best results when making Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and ensures tender, flavorful chicken without extra cooking.
Don’t Overstuff: Fill the peppers generously, but avoid packing too tightly. This helps them cook evenly.
Experiment with Spices: Add spices like cumin or chili powder for a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.
Check Pepper Tenderness: Bake until peppers are tender but not mushy; this retains their structure while ensuring flavor infusion.
Adjust Cheese Levels: Customize the amount of cheese based on personal preference; less cheese can still yield a delicious result.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro adds zest to your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized create a warm, earthy complement to the stuffed peppers.
Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter provide a perfect dipping option for any leftover filling.
Cauliflower Mash: A creamy alternative to mashed potatoes that keeps the meal low-carb while providing comfort food vibes.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots brings a refreshing crunch that balances the creaminess of the peppers.
Corn Salad: A vibrant salad with corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds sweetness and crunch to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making creamy chicken stuffed peppers can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is crucial for the best outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Bold Preparation: Not properly prepping the peppers can lead to uneven cooking. Always remove seeds and ribs for a better texture and flavor.
Bold Cheese Selection: Using full-fat cheese instead of reduced fat may make the dish too greasy. Stick with reduced-fat options for a lighter meal.
Bold Overstuffing: Filling the peppers too much can cause spillage during cooking. Aim for equal amounts of filling without overloading.
Bold Ignoring Cooking Time: Skipping the baking time can result in tough peppers. Follow the recommended cooking time to ensure tenderness.
Bold Forgetting the Foil: Not covering the peppers with foil can dry them out. Use tented foil for moisture retention while baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover creamy chicken stuffed peppers in an airtight container.
They will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

Using shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal as it saves time and adds great flavor.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, keeping in mind that reduced-fat options work best for this recipe.

How long do Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers take to cook?

They typically take about 45 minutes to an hour at 350°F until the peppers are tender.

Can I customize the filling for my Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like corn or black beans for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Creamy chicken stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to tailor them to your taste. Whether you enjoy them as a main course or a brunch dish, these stuffed peppers shine with their creamy filling and vibrant colors. Give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!