Ground Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

Name: Ground Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb ground chicken; 1 cup cooked brown rice; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Plate Creations

I absolutely love making Ground Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers for dinner! The vibrant colors of the bell peppers mixed with the flavorful chicken filling make for a stunning presentation. Each bite bursts with flavor from the seasoning and fresh ingredients, making them a hit with everyone around the table. Plus, they are a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. I can easily customize the filling based on what I have on hand or my mood. It’s a fun and fulfilling dish that brings joy to cooking.

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-02-28T09:45:36.299Z

When I first attempted to make Ground Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers, I was amazed at how simple and rewarding the process was. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the kitchen, making it impossible to resist stealing a bite. My secret? I use a mix of brown rice and ground chicken seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs, which not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the filling moist.

One particular time, I decided to add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top before baking. The creaminess added a whole new dimension, and I can't believe I ever enjoyed them without it! Each pepper is like a little treasure chest of flavor. I highly recommend giving these a try!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Colorful and healthy dish that’s perfect for meal prep
Juicy, flavorful filling that satisfies every palate
Easily customizable with your favorite ingredients

Choosing the Right Bell Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for this recipe, look for large, firm peppers that feel heavy for their size. The vibrant colors—red, yellow, green, or orange—not only make for a beautiful presentation but also differ slightly in flavor. For instance, red peppers are sweeter, while green ones have a more bitter taste. Mixing colors can enhance visual appeal and flavor diversity, so don’t hesitate to use a variety.

Removing the tops and seeds from the peppers is crucial for ensuring an even cook. If you want to maximize stuffing, trim just enough from the tops to allow a hearty filling while ensuring the peppers remain upright during baking. This minimizes any risk of fuel during cooking and helps retain that perfect shape.

Perfecting the Filling

Sautéing the onion and garlic until they're translucent not only enhances their flavor but also ensures they distribute evenly throughout the dish. This step typically takes 2-3 minutes over medium heat. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Adding the ground chicken after the onions should yield a satisfying texture; cook it until it’s fully browned for a depth of flavor.

The combination of cooked brown rice and marinara sauce in the filling provides both texture and moisture. If you don’t have brown rice, quinoa or even cauliflower rice are excellent alternatives. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times to ensure the chicken mixture remains moist without becoming soggy.

Baking Techniques

When baking the stuffed peppers, covering the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes helps to create steam, which ensures the peppers cook through and don’t dry out. After removing the foil, bake them for an additional 10 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly; this is your cue to remove them from the oven. Look for a golden top for that delightful crunchy texture.

For optimal reheating, if you have leftovers, simply cover them with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through. This method helps maintain their flavor and prevents the cheese from overcooking or turning rubbery.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground chicken
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each bell pepper with the chicken and rice mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the ground chicken with ground turkey or even a meat alternative for a vegetarian version. For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped spinach or other vegetables with the filling.

Storage and Meal Prep

These stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just stuff and bake them when you're ready to enjoy a comforting meal. Additionally, once assembled, they can be frozen for up to three months, making them a great option for busy nights.

To freeze, wrap the stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealed container. When you're ready to eat, bake them from frozen, increasing the baking time by about 10-15 minutes to ensure they are heated through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these stuffed peppers alongside a fresh garden salad or over a bed of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of feta on top for an extra layer of flavor. Consider including whole grains like quinoa or barley as a side for added nutrition and texture.

If you want to host a fun dinner party, set up a stuffed pepper bar! Provide a variety of fillings—think black beans, corn, cheese, and even different proteins—so guests can customize their peppers based on personal preferences. It adds an interactive element that everyone will enjoy.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to experiment with seasonings in the chicken mixture. Adding a dash of cumin or smoked paprika can introduce a warm undertone. If you’re craving a bit of spice, try adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling. For a Mediterranean twist, substitute the mozzarella with feta cheese and incorporate olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

If you're looking to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, swapping the ground chicken for lentils or a meat alternative will yield equally satisfying results. Just make sure to adjust any cooking times as these ingredients may vary in how quickly they need to be cooked or prepared.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

→ What other ingredients can I add?

You can add black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. Experiment with different spices to suit your taste.

→ How long do leftovers last?

Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

→ Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?

Yes! Stuffed peppers freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.