These Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a fun and tasty twist perfect for Halloween! The bell peppers are hollowed out and filled with a flavorful mix of tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of spices. The colorful peppers make the dish look festive, and the filling is warm and comforting with just the right amount of savory goodness.
I love making these stuffed peppers around Halloween because they add a playful touch to the dinner table. It’s like a little spooky surprise since you can carve the peppers a bit or arrange them in fun shapes. Plus, the shredded chicken and rice combo makes it filling but not too heavy, so everyone can enjoy a second helping. I often sneak in some extra cheese on top to get it all nice and melty—trust me, it’s a game-changer!
My favorite way to serve these is with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies. It makes for a balanced meal that feels cozy and a little festive without any fuss. These stuffed peppers have become a go-to for me whenever I want something that looks special but is super easy to put together. Perfect for a family dinner or a small Halloween get-together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: I like using colorful bell peppers because they look great for Halloween. If you can’t find a variety, green peppers work just fine. For a milder taste, try red or yellow peppers.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for this recipe since it’s already cooked and flavorful. You can also use leftover chicken or cook chicken breasts and shred them yourself.
Rice: White rice works well, but brown rice adds a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber. Quinoa could be a fun substitute if you want to switch things up.
Tomato Sauce: Marinara sauce adds Italian flavor, but you can substitute with salsa for a spicier twist or even a canned tomato mix for a simpler taste.
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving a gooey finish. You can swap it out for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
How Do You Keep the Bell Peppers Upright and Stuffed Perfectly?
Keeping the stuffed peppers standing up helps them bake evenly without spilling the filling. Here are some tips:
- Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms or trim a tiny slice off the base to create a level surface.
- Pack the filling tightly but don’t overfill—leave a little space at the top for the cheese to melt.
- Place the peppers close together in the baking dish so they support each other and stay upright.
- Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in, which softens the peppers without drying them out.
- Remove the foil near the end to let the cheese turn golden and bubbly.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking dish – holds the stuffed peppers upright and catches any drips while baking.
- Sharp knife – makes it easy to cut the pepper tops cleanly and remove seeds.
- Spoon – perfect for scooping out seeds and filling peppers with the chicken mixture.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the rice, chicken, and spices thoroughly before stuffing.
- Skillet or frying pan – to sauté onions and garlic, adding flavor to the filling.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep the peppers moist while baking and prevents cheese from over-browning.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap shredded chicken for ground turkey or beef for a different protein texture.
- Add black beans or corn for more color and extra fiber.
- Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Top with cheddar or pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a stronger cheese flavor.
Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers (Halloween Style)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (a mix of green, yellow, or orange for a festive Halloween look)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 40-45 minutes to bake. Overall, from start to finish, plan for about 1 hour to have your stuffed peppers ready to serve and enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Peppers:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds and membranes from inside. Keep the tops if you want to use them as lids later; otherwise, set them aside.
2. Cook the Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
3. Stuff and Bake:
Fill each hollowed pepper generously with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing gently to pack it in. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake another 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
4. Serve:
Take peppers out of the oven, let them cool a bit, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your festive Halloween meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before shredding. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps avoid extra moisture in the filling.
Can I Make These Stuffed Peppers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge and bake just before serving to keep them fresh and flavorful.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, covering with foil to keep them moist.
What’s a Good Side Dish to Serve with These Peppers?
They pair perfectly with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread for a comforting and balanced meal.
