Oh my goodness, friends! If you’re looking to add a spooky and delicious flair to your Halloween dinner this year, let me introduce you to my favorite seasonal treat: Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers! I can’t tell you how much joy these little edible pumpkins bring me during the Halloween season. They’re not just adorably creepy, they’re stuffed with all the good stuff that makes your tummy happy.
I remember the first time I made these for a Halloween party. I wanted something that was festive, yet easy to make in larger quantities. So, I grabbed some vibrant bell peppers and decided to give them a fun twist. Everyone loved them—not just for the flavor but also because they looked so cute! Plus, once you slice them open, you get a delicious surprise. So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself and your family, these stuffed peppers are perfect for celebrating the spooky season!
What’s in Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers?
Bell Peppers: The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows lend a festive feel to any Halloween table. They also add a burst of sweetness when cooked!
Cooked Shredded Chicken: This is the star filling of the dish! It’s juicy, savory, and adds a hearty protein punch. You can use leftovers from a roast chicken or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Cooked Rice: A wonderful filler that binds the chicken together and makes the stuffing lighter. I personally love using brown rice for a healthier twist, but any rice will do!
Spices: Things like garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin are absolute must-haves—adding depth and flavor that make these peppers pop!
Cheese: A little melted gooey goodness is essential! I usually go for cheddar, but mozzarella works wonderfully too if you’re feeling extra cheesy!
Olive Oil: Just a drizzle before baking helps to get that lovely caramelization on the peppers!
Optional Toppings: Sour cream or salsa add a zesty kick when you serve these, so don’t skip those if you want something extra!
Black Olives: These cuties become little “eyes” on top of the peppers—perfect for adding a fun Halloween touch!
Is Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers Good for You?
These stuffed peppers offer a delightful balance of nutrients!
Bell Peppers: They’re loaded with vitamins A and C, which are fantastic for your immune health, especially during the chilly Halloween season!
Cooked Shredded Chicken: A great source of lean protein, helping you to feel full and satisfied.
Cooked Rice: Depending on the type you choose, it can provide fiber and B vitamins. Brown rice is my go-to for added nutrients!
But remember, moderation is key. Topping these little delights with cheese and sour cream can add extra calories, so if you’re watching your intake, you might want to go light on those!
Ingredients List
– 4 bell peppers (red, orange, or yellow) – serves 4
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp cumin (or to taste)
– 1 cup cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Black olives (for decoration)
– Optional toppings (sour cream or salsa)
How to Make Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get that kitchen warmed up!
2. Carefully cut the top off each bell pepper and remove all those seeds inside. Set the tops aside; they can be fun to use for mini decorations!
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, a generous sprinkle of spices, and a handful of cheese. Mix well until everything is nicely incorporated.
4. Now comes the fun part! Stuff the mixture into each of your bell peppers until they’re overflowing with deliciousness.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, give them a little drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle on some extra cheese on top because, let’s face it, you can never have too much cheese!
6. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. You want the peppers to be nice and tender and the cheese to be wonderfully melted and bubbly.
7. Once they’re out of the oven, use the black olives to create little eyes for your spooky pepper-look-alikes!
8. Serve them warm and watch as your friends and family delight in their delightful flavor and charming appearance!
Spook-tacular Serving Suggestions!
Feel free to jazz these up even more! You can add a pinch of cayenne for some heat or swap out the toppings based on your preferences. Want to make it a vegetarian meal? Just skip the chicken and load it up with sautéed veggies or beans instead!
These Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers have become a Halloween tradition in my home, and I hope they’ll inspire some festive fun in yours, too! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out—you’re going to have so much fun making and sharing them. Happy haunting and happy cooking!
