Mexican Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Enjoy these flavorful chicken stuffed peppers, a perfect blend of seasoned chicken, rice, and melted cheese. This delicious and easy-to-make dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- ½ Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated on a microplane
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup water
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For Serving
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced
- Tortilla chips
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Peppers: Drizzle the halved peppers with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to char.
- Cook the Chicken: While the peppers are roasting, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 5 minutes, or until browned on both sides.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Add the sliced red onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Pour in the ¼ cup of water and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions are softened.
- Stuff the Peppers: Remove the peppers from the oven. Fill each pepper half with a layer of cooked rice, followed by the chicken and onion mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve the stuffed peppers with sliced avocado, tortilla chips, and cherry tomatoes.
Notes
- Rice Options: You can use any cooked rice you prefer, such as white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Protein Flexibility: We've got you covered, no matter your dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based protein.
- Cheese Variations: For added flavor, experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Make Ahead: These stuffed peppers can be assembled and baked before serving, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 303kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 168mg | Potassium: 644mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2409IU | Vitamin C: 82mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 1mg
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