Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and healthy dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. These vibrant bell peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory spices. It’s not only a pleasing sight but also bursts with flavors that everyone will love. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner and special enough for gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for those who want to try something new but also want to keep it healthy. Stuffed bell peppers are versatile and can be filled with various ingredients. With the added flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, you get a dish that is colorful, nutritious, and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 lb ground chicken (or lean ground turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for extra filling)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers stand upright. Place them in a baking dish or on the prepared sheet.
Cook the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Season and mix: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, cooked quinoa or rice (if using), dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine and allow the flavors to meld together.
Stuff the peppers: Spoon the Mediterranean chicken mixture into each bell pepper, pressing it down slightly to pack the filling. If desired, top each stuffed pepper with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
Bake the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. If using cheese, bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a side salad or your favorite vegetable.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
These stuffed peppers make a great main dish. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal. They are also perfect as leftovers for lunch the next day!
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or bake them in the oven until warm.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have no soft spots.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you like to the filling, such as zucchini or spinach.
- For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the filling.
- If you like more cheese, feel free to double the cheese topping.
Variation
You can use other proteins instead of ground chicken, such as ground beef or lamb. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add more veggies or beans for protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
A: Yes! You can freeze the uncooked stuffed peppers. Just prepare them as directed, then wrap them tightly and store in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them and bake as usual.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! You can use any cheese you prefer, such as goat cheese, cheddar, or even vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free option.
Q: How long do the stuffed peppers take to cook?
A: They take about 25-30 minutes to bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot. If using cheese, add another 5 minutes for it to melt.
