Oh, making stuffed peppers with chicken and rice is as easy as pie, let me tell ya. This recipe here is perfect when you want a cozy meal without too much fuss. Now, I know some folks like beef in their peppers, but chicken’s got that soft, tender taste that makes it all just right, and with some rice to go with it, well, you got yourself a filling dish. Let me walk you through how to make this simple, tasty dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
First off, get your things ready. For this dish, you don’t need a long list of ingredients. Here’s what you need:
- 3 large bell peppers – Red, yellow, or green, whatever you like best.
- 1 large chicken breast – You’ll want to cook it and chop it up nice and small.
- 1 cup cooked rice – Any kind, but white rice works just fine.
- 1/2 onion, diced – Adds a nice bit of flavor to the mix.
- 1 cup shredded cheese – Mozzarella or cheddar works best.
- Salt and pepper – A pinch or two to taste.
- 1 can of diced tomatoes – Adds a juicy bit of sauce to it all.
Now that’s all you need, simple as can be, right? Nothing fancy, just the basics that pack in flavor.
Getting Started with the Peppers
First, you gotta get them peppers ready. It’s best to start by washing them good, then slice them in half, right from the stem down to the bottom. Scoop out all the seeds and that little white part inside. Ain’t nothing worse than biting into a seed, so make sure they’re all gone.
Now, here’s a little trick – if you don’t want the peppers to be too hard, try giving them a quick cook before you stuff them. You can either boil them for 3 minutes or stick them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. That way, they’ll soften up a bit but still hold their shape once stuffed. Don’t skip this part, especially if you like softer peppers!
Making the Filling
Now, on to the filling. First, you gotta cook that chicken. Just season it up with a little salt and pepper and cook it through on a pan. Once it’s cooked, chop it up nice and small. You want those pieces to mix well with the rice and veggies.
In a big bowl, throw in your chopped chicken, cooked rice, diced onion, and a can of those diced tomatoes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give it all a good stir until it’s mixed well.
Next, add about half of the shredded cheese into the mixture. This will make it nice and creamy when it bakes. Oh, and don’t forget to taste the filling – add a bit more salt or pepper if it needs it. You want it flavorful, so don’t be shy with the seasoning.
Stuffing the Peppers
Once your filling is ready, it’s time to stuff those peppers. Take a spoon and fill each pepper half to the brim with your chicken and rice mixture. Press it down a little so it all fits in there nicely.
Place the stuffed peppers on a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of each pepper. This cheese will melt and get all bubbly and golden, making it look just delicious.
Baking the Stuffed Peppers
Now that the peppers are stuffed and topped, you’re ready to bake! Pop the dish in the oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and starting to brown, and the peppers are fork-tender. If you like the cheese extra crispy, give it a couple more minutes under the broiler.
Serving Suggestions
When the stuffed peppers are done, let them cool a little before digging in. These go great with a simple side salad or a piece of garlic bread. And if you’ve got any fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, sprinkle some on top for a little extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers
- Choose the right peppers: Red and yellow peppers are a bit sweeter than green ones, so pick what you like.
- Pre-cook the peppers: If you want softer peppers, don’t skip that quick boil or bake before stuffing.
- Season well: A little salt and pepper goes a long way. Taste the filling before you stuff the peppers and add more if needed.
There you go, a hearty, homemade dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family. These stuffed peppers with chicken and rice are simple, flavorful, and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Tags： [stuffed peppers, chicken stuffed peppers, chicken and rice stuffed peppers, easy stuffed peppers, homemade stuffed peppers]
