Description
This Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe offers a delicious combination of tender cubed chicken mixed with fresh herbs and cheddar cheese, stuffed into vibrant red bell peppers. Topped with a flavorful crispy panko and cheese crumb mixture, these stuffed peppers are baked to golden perfection for a satisfying and easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Crumb Topping
- ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chicken Filling
- ¾ lb chicken breasts, cut into ¼ inch cubes
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp all-purpose white flour
Peppers
- 4 red bell peppers, halved from stem to base and de-seeded
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- ⅛ tsp salt (for sprinkling on peppers)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the Cheese Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, ⅛ tsp salt, black pepper, olive oil, and ⅓ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Use your fingers to gently rub the crumbs and cheese together until the cheese pieces resemble the size of the larger crumbs. Set this mixture aside.
- Make the Chicken Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together the cubed chicken, fresh thyme, ¼ tsp salt, remaining ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and all-purpose flour. Combine thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Prepare the Peppers: Brush the outsides of the red bell pepper halves lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with ⅛ tsp salt. Arrange the pepper halves on a baking sheet with the hollow side facing upward.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon about ¼ cup of the chicken mixture into each pepper half. Then, evenly distribute approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese crumb topping over each stuffed pepper.
- Bake Until Done: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the stuffed peppers for 22-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the crumb topping turns golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For best results, make sure the chicken pieces are uniformly cut to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, using one-third of the amount indicated.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if using salted cheese or other salty ingredients.
- Serve with a green salad or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy chicken stuffed peppers, baked stuffed peppers, chicken bell pepper recipe, easy stuffed peppers, baked chicken recipe
