Stuffed peppers are a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of chicken, rice, and a variety of vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s both nutritious and easy to prepare. With tender bell peppers filled with a savory mix of chicken, veggies, and gooey mozzarella cheese, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a family favorite. Let’s get cooking with this simple, step-by-step recipe!
Ingredients
- Peppers: 2 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- Rice: 100 grams (½ cup)
- Chicken Fillet: 1 fillet, diced (about 150 grams or 5.3 oz)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomatoes: 2 medium, diced
- Butter: 1 tablespoon (15 grams)
- Carrot: 1 medium, grated
- Mushrooms: 150 grams (1 cup), chopped
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Mozzarella: 200 grams (1½ cups), shredded
- Egg: 1 large
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
- Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: To taste
Servings: 2 stuffed peppers
Total Time: 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Rice
- Cook the Rice: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 100 grams (½ cup) of rice and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the rice and set it aside. Cooking the rice beforehand ensures it’s fully cooked and fluffy when stuffed into the peppers.
2. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken fillet to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and the diced tomatoes. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Season: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
3. Combine the Filling
- Cool Slightly: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly to prevent the egg from cooking too quickly when added.
- Add Rice and Cheese: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir until well combined. Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 large egg, stirring until the mixture is well incorporated. The egg helps to bind the filling together, while the cheese adds creaminess and flavor.
4. Stuff the Peppers
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
- Fill the Peppers: Stand the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the rice and chicken mixture into each pepper, pressing down gently to pack the filling tightly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
5. Bake the Stuffed Peppers
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
6. Serve
- Cool Slightly: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Enjoy: Serve the stuffed peppers hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra burst of flavor. These peppers are perfect on their own or paired with a light side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Stuffed Pepper, Based on 2 Servings)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Dietary Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 8 g
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
- Sodium: 400 mg
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers
- Choose the Right Peppers: Use bell peppers that are firm, brightly colored, and have flat bottoms to stand upright easily in the baking dish.
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, or swap the mozzarella for another cheese like cheddar or feta.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and stuff the peppers when ready to bake. You can also assemble the stuffed peppers, cover them, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
These stuffed peppers with chicken, vegetables, and rice are a wholesome and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner, they bring together tender chicken, hearty rice, and melted cheese in every bite. Enjoy making and sharing this satisfying dish with your family and friends!