Description
Mexican-inspired creamy chicken stuffed peppers highlight robust flavors with a perfect blend of tender chicken and melted cheese. Peppers become delicious vessels stuffed with savory ingredients, promising a satisfying meal you will devour quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (946 ml) shredded chicken breast
- 3 bell peppers (halved, seeds and ribs removed)
- 4 oz (113 g) reduced-fat cream cheese
- 4 oz (113 g) reduced-fat cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup (120 ml) salsa verde
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 scallions, chopped
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 350°F (177°C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Pepper Preparation: Slice bell peppers lengthwise, meticulously removing seeds and white membrane to create perfect vessel for the filling.
- Filling Creation: In a large mixing bowl, blend ground paprika, onion powder, cream cheese, salsa verde, and most of the cheddar cheese into a smooth, unified mixture.
- Chicken Integration: Fold shredded chicken and green onions into the creamy base, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Assembly and Topping: Arrange pepper halves in a baking dish, generously fill each cavity with the chicken mixture, and crown with remaining cheese for a golden, melted finish.
- Baking Process: Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-60 minutes, periodically checking until peppers soften and filling reaches a piping hot temperature, creating a bubbling, appetizing dish.
Notes
- Pepper Prep Tip: Cut peppers carefully to maintain structural integrity and create perfect vessels for the creamy filling.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Loosely cover with foil to prevent cheese from burning while ensuring even, gentle melting.
- Chicken Selection Strategy: Use pre-cooked, shredded chicken for maximum convenience and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Temperature Check: Verify internal filling temperature reaches 165°F for food safety and optimal flavor development.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg