Mexican Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Chicken-stuffed peppers are a remarkably healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner option. Tender bell peppers are carefully broiled to perfection and filled with a savory mixture of juicy chicken, cauliflower “rice”, vibrant pico de gallo, and creamy avocado. This recipe is a trifecta of health-conscious certifications – it’s both Whole30, Paleo, and gluten-free, making it a great option for families seeking a nutritious meal together, with the added flexibility to customize with your preferred Mexican toppings.

Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Can I get some quick and easy Whole30-compliant dinner recipes that my entire family will love? Quick meals under 20 minutes are perfect solutions for hectic weeknights. When I prepared these chicken fajita stuffed peppers, I couldn’t help but think, “I’ve truly outdone myself in creating an easy yet elegant dinner.” Ha!

To prepare this recipe, cook leftover chicken and enhance it with a homemade fajita seasoning blend, sautéed onions, minced garlic, and canned tomatoes, before filling roasted bell peppers with the flavorful mixture. Elevate this dish by topping it with your preferred homemade or store-bought salsa, accompanied by sliced avocado, a serving of cauliflower rice, and any other desired additions. And guess what? Dinner’s done!

These stuffed peppers are undoubtedly a weeknight triumph! With these shortcuts, you can create them remarkably quickly – a total of approximately 20 minutes, making it an efficient process.

At their finest, these treats are bursting with uncomplicated yet delectable flavors. If you enjoy this recipe, also consider trying our Whole30 buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes or baked pesto chicken for a delicious meal option.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

With its simplicity and mouthwatering flavor, this main course is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

• To stave off food boredom during your Whole30, one crucial strategy is to constantly introduce new and exciting options. Occasionally introduce novel flavors and innovative textures to keep the palate engaged. This simple recipe does exactly what you need it to do.
• This recipe is an excellent means of creatively repurposing leftover cooked chicken, making it a practical and delicious solution for meal planning. Let’s reduce food waste and creatively repurpose leftovers.
• If you’re looking to boost your vegetable consumption, consider preparing deliciously nutritious stuffed peppers as a simple and satisfying solution. I relish this unconventional approach to vegetable consumption.

Ingredients

To craft the ultimate stuffed peppers experience, gather these fundamental components:

Substitutions and Variations

Use your preferred fajita seasoning – either a store-bought favourite or our homemade recipe outlined above, with Taco seasoning being a suitable alternative if needed.

Use either fresh or frozen bell peppers for this delicious stuffed pepper recipe. Cut the peppers in half or remove the tops and hollow out each one for stuffing.

While this recipe is designed to utilize shredded chicken, feel free to substitute it with other meats to suit your taste preferences. Options include tender barbacoa, savory steak fajita strips, or hearty ground beef.

Not a problem! You can substitute regular rice for the cauliflower rice if you’re not adhering to the Whole30 diet requirements.

Savor the flavor of your choice – whether grilled, roasted, or pan-seared, indulge in a mouthwatering main course with perfectly cooked chicken.

For a flavorful twist, my Instant Pot chicken fajitas would pair perfectly with grilled chicken that’s been marinated in a rich Mexican marinade. For a quick and easy twist, store-bought chicken fajita meat or rotisserie chicken can be used with great success.

Transforming ordinary chicken stuffed peppers into an extraordinary culinary experience starts with a few simple tweaks. Begin by selecting four bell peppers, any color will do, and carefully cutting off the tops, removing seeds and membranes.

Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and one pound boneless chicken breast or thighs until the meat is fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Add canned black beans, chopped tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cumin, chili powder, and paprika to the skillet. Stir well, then set the mixture aside to cool.

To prepare the peppers, place them in a baking dish and fill each one with the cooled chicken mixture, leaving a small border around the edges.

Top each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

To quickly prepare this effortless dish, simply follow these three straightforward steps. To prepare mouthwatering stuffed bell pepper halves, follow this straightforward guide.

Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your broiler and, with precision, halve the peppers lengthwise, carefully removing the stems and scooping out the seeds to create a smooth interior surface. Next, generously rub both the insides and outsides with a subtle drizzle of olive oil before arranging them on a lined baking sheet.

Cook at high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the desired level of tenderness is achieved. When a pepper’s residue appears on the skin, permit them to cool down before gently rubbing it off with your fingertips.

Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic into a uniform consistency; set them aside for future use.

Prepare the cauliflower rice. I cook the frozen mushrooms in a pan over low heat, gently stirring every so often, until they’re warmed through and develop a rich, caramelized colour. Slice the lime and avocados.

Prepare the Chicken

Cut the tender chicken into bite sized pieces & season generously with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat before adding the chicken, stirring intermittently. As the chicken starts to brown, introduce the onion to the pan and continue cooking in tandem for an additional five minutes.

Simmer the mixture with the added fajita seasoning and tomatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together for approximately 2-3 minutes before removing it from heat.

Assemble the Stuffed Peppers

Serve the chicken nestled inside bell peppers with a flavorful combination of cauliflower rice, a dollop of tangy salsa, crispy slices of avocado, or your preferred toppings for a delightful dining experience.

After reheating leftover chicken stuffed peppers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Allowing leftover food to cool thoroughly before transferring it to an airtight container ensures optimal storage and preservation of flavors. Consume within 72 hours; refrigerate promptly. Frozen leftover peppers can still be a flavorful addition to many dishes. Allow the baked goods to cool completely, then wrap each one separately in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw when ready to use. Thaw before reheating.

Savoring the sweet combination of flavors and textures in chicken-stuffed peppers, consider pairing them with a medley of complementary sides that elevate their rich, savory essence. Try serving these peppers alongside fluffy white rice, its subtle creaminess a perfect foil for the bold spices. Alternatively, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, filling peppers. For a more indulgent approach, serve them with crispy garlic bread, its buttery richness harmonizing with the savory chicken and pepper flavors.

Here’s a flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers: tender chicken and savory rice combine in these vibrant, versatile bites that pair perfectly with chips and salsa for a satisfying snack. We’re equally enthusiastic about Mexican rice and its cauliflower rice variation.

To incorporate even more nutrients into your meal, consider pairing your main course with innovative vegetable options such as air-fried Brussels sprouts, crispy roasted baby carrots, or the subtle sweetness of green beans cooked to perfection in an air fryer. A simple microwaveable broccoli side dish would be a convenient option as well.

Toppings for Stuffed Peppers

With countless topping options available, you can customize this simple stuffed peppers recipe to your liking. Feel free to top your dish with approved Whole30 toppings or opt for your own favorite ingredients! Here are a few fun ideas for this healthy meal:

Tips for Success

To ensure a seamless culinary experience, consider these valuable insights for mastering the art of preparing a successful, low-carb dish.

• Need to save some time? Then use store-bought rotisserie chicken! Whole Foods and Fresh Market both provide Whole30-compliant rotisserie chickens, likely with many additional grocery stores offering similar options. Any leftover or previously cooked chicken can be used to make this recipe just as well.
• Use frozen cauliflower rice. By outsourcing the task, you’ll avoid the inconvenience and clutter associated with handling it personally.
• Opt for bell peppers with symmetrical profiles to ensure optimal presentation and handling. While wonky peppers might present some challenges in terms of filling and cutting them into neat vessels for your chicken filling, they still have a certain rustic charm that can add character to your dish.

FAQ

Precooking bell peppers beforehand is the most effective approach to prevent them from becoming waterlogged. By caramelizing the peppers first under the broiler, I achieve a depth of flavor that enhances their natural sweetness and provides a tender, slightly smoky texture when stuffed and baked.

A safe and reliable way to preserve cooked leftovers is freezing them. Are you prepared to reheat? Allow the peppers to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the food in a preheated oven to a comfortable serving temperature.

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