Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Imagine biting into a colorful bell pepper, filled to the brim with a creamy, savory chicken mixture that’s perfectly seasoned and topped with melted cheese. These Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers deliver a delightful contrast between the tender-crisp pepper shells and the rich, velvety filling inside. A complete meal in one beautiful package, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing dish that’s as impressive to serve as it is delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner for so many reasons. First, they’re incredibly versatile – equally perfect for a casual family meal or an elegant dinner party. The colorful presentation instantly elevates your table, making everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen when it actually comes together quite easily.

The contrasting textures are what make this dish truly special. The peppers maintain just enough firmness to hold their shape while becoming tender and sweet during baking. Meanwhile, the filling offers a delectable creaminess punctuated by juicy chicken pieces and the occasional bite of vegetable.

What’s more, these stuffed peppers deliver complete nutrition in one dish – protein, vegetables, and dairy components all perfectly balanced. The recipe is also make-ahead friendly, allowing you to prep earlier in the day and simply pop them in the oven when dinner time approaches. For busy households, this kind of efficiency without sacrificing flavor is absolutely priceless.

Ingredients

For the perfect Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers, you’ll need:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color or a mix), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into ½-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion (about 1 cup), finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (175g) cooked rice (white or brown)
• 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The cream cheese is the secret ingredient that creates the luxurious texture in these chicken stuffed bell peppers, while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan adds the perfect cheesy finish.

Pro Tips

Get the Perfect Pepper Texture
Pre-roasting the pepper halves for about 10 minutes before stuffing is crucial. This initial cooking ensures they’ll be tender-crisp rather than raw or mushy when the dish is complete. Place them cut-side down first to allow them to slightly soften while maintaining their shape and creating a perfect vessel for the creamy filling.

Master the Filling Consistency
The key to truly exceptional Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers lies in achieving the perfect filling consistency. Cook the diced chicken just until it loses its pink color before combining with other ingredients – it will continue cooking inside the peppers. When adding the cream cheese, make sure it’s at room temperature and fold it in gently with the hot chicken mixture. This helps it melt evenly without separating, creating that silky texture that makes this dish special.

Cheese Application Strategy
Don’t mix all the cheese into the filling. Reserve about one-third of the mozzarella for topping the peppers during the final 10 minutes of baking. This creates that irresistible golden, slightly crispy cheese top that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little additional Parmesan right before serving.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes while keeping the stems intact (they’ll make your final presentation more attractive). Brush the peppers lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, both inside and out. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and pre-bake for 10 minutes. This partial cooking gives your Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers the perfect tender-crisp texture.

Step 2: Create the Filling Base
While the peppers are pre-baking, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should be filling with amazing aromas at this point!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the onion-garlic mixture. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook it – the chicken will continue cooking when the peppers are baked.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until it melts and coats the chicken. Gradually add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Complete the Filling
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice, 2/3 of the mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese begins to melt into the mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed – this is your last chance to perfect the flavor of your Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers!

Step 6: Stuff and Bake
Remove the pre-baked peppers from the oven and flip them over so they’re cut-side up. Spoon the creamy chicken mixture generously into each pepper half, mounding it slightly. Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Serve
Allow the Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly and makes them easier to transfer to plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy filling and tender peppers!

Variations

Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Give your Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers a Mediterranean twist by adding ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and ¼ cup of sliced Kalamata olives to the filling. Replace the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Substitute feta cheese for the Parmesan and sprinkle with fresh chopped dill instead of parsley before serving. This variation brings bright, tangy flavors that perfectly complement the creamy base.

Mexican-Inspired Stuffed Peppers
Transform this dish by adding 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, and a diced jalapeño (seeds removed) to the chicken mixture. Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and replace the mozzarella with a Mexican cheese blend. Add ½ cup of black beans and ½ cup of corn kernels to the filling. Before serving, top your Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers with diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro for an exciting south-of-the-border flavor profile.

Vegetarian Option
For a meatless version, substitute the chicken with 2 cups of diced mushrooms and 1 cup of finely chopped cauliflower. Sauté them until golden and slightly caramelized before continuing with the recipe as written. Add ¼ cup of nutritional yeast for an extra savory depth that complements the creamy texture beautifully.

Storage and Serving

Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual peppers for 2-3 minutes, though the oven method better preserves the textural contrast between the pepper and filling.

For freezing, allow the cooked stuffed peppers to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

When serving, pair these Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a light, refreshing contrast to the rich filling. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside garlic bread or a side of roasted vegetables. For an elegant presentation, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the peppers and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a hint of heat.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add about 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken when you would normally add the cooked chicken. This makes Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers even quicker to prepare on busy weeknights.

How do I prevent my peppers from becoming too soft?
The key is in the pre-baking time. If you prefer firmer peppers, reduce the initial pre-baking to just 5 minutes. Also, make sure your oven isn’t too hot – 375°F is ideal for maintaining some structure while ensuring they’re cooked through.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow the peppers to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I substitute for the heavy cream to make it lighter?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even plain Greek yogurt as alternatives. The filling won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. If using Greek yogurt, add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Which color bell peppers work best for this recipe?
All colors work beautifully! Red and orange peppers offer a sweeter flavor that complements the creamy filling, while green peppers provide a slightly more bitter contrast that some prefer. Using a mixture creates a visually stunning presentation for your Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe is comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of vibrant vegetables and indulgent, creamy filling that satisfies all your cravings in one beautiful package. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation and leaves them thoroughly satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting friends for a casual get-together, these stuffed peppers deliver both impressive presentation and incredible flavor without overwhelming complexity. Make this your go-to recipe when you want to transform simple ingredients into something truly special.

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