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Ultimate Cheesy Chicken and Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers Baked in Tomato Sauce

A close-up of a single Cheesy Chicken and Rice Stuffed Pepper topped with melted cheese and herbs, sitting in tomato sauce.
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This recipe provides instructions for making bell peppers filled with seasoned chicken, rice, and plenty of melted cheese, baked in a simple tomato sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the peppers upright.
  2. Prepare the peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the hollowed peppers cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Make the filling: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, half of the cheddar cheese, the Monterey Jack cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  5. Spoon the filling mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper. Do not pack too tightly.
  6. Prepare the baking liquid: In the same bowl, mix the tomato sauce with the water. Pour this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers.
  7. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tops of the peppers, and return the dish to the oven, uncovered. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute brown rice or wild rice for the white rice in the filling.
  • For extra flavor, mix 1/4 cup of your favorite mild salsa into the filling mixture before stuffing the peppers.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/cheesy-chicken-and-rice-stuffed-peppers/