Description
Mediterranean-inspired cheesy spinach and chicken stuffed bell peppers deliver robust flavors balanced with nutritious ingredients. Classic comfort meal combines protein and vegetables in one delicious package that satisfies all dinner cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 4 oz / 113 g)
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese (about 4 oz / 113 g)
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 large bell peppers
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup diced onions
- 2 tbsps minced garlic
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Pepper Preparation: Halve bell peppers lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and membranes to create perfect edible vessels for the flavorful filling.
- Filling Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine diced chicken breast, chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, sage leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Stuffing and Positioning: Pack each pepper half generously with the chicken-spinach mixture, maintaining a compact and uniform filling. Arrange peppers upright on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent spillage.
- Oven Preparation: Position oven rack in the center and preheat to 350°F (175°C) for consistent heat circulation.
- Initial Roasting: Bake stuffed peppers for 45 minutes, or until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring complete and thorough cooking.
- Cheese Topping: Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the peppers, creating a rich and golden melted cheese layer.
- Final Baking: Return peppers to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely and develop a bubbling, appetizing surface.
- Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to stabilize the filling. Serve immediately as a vibrant, nutritious main course bursting with flavor and color.
Notes
- Master Pepper Preparation: Slice peppers carefully to create stable, leak-proof vessels that hold the filling perfectly without falling apart during cooking.
- Uniform Mixture Technique: Mix chicken and spinach thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly, ensuring each bite delivers consistent seasoning and texture.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe consumption and preventing undercooked protein.
- Cheese Melting Strategy: Add cheese in two stages for maximum flavor development and achieve a golden, crispy surface that adds delightful textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg