Description

These Chicken Stuffed Peppers offer a flavorful, wholesome dinner packed with savory spices, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Easy to prepare with balanced nutrition, they make a colorful, comforting, and kid-friendly meal perfect for any family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

4 large colorful bell peppers
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Protein

1 pound ground chicken
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Grains

1 cup cooked rice or quinoa

Flavorings and Sauces

2 tablespoons tomato paste (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Dairy Alternatives

1 cup plant-based cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar) shredded

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers aside to drain briefly while you prepare the filling.
Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Stir in ground chicken, breaking it apart and cooking evenly until no longer pink.
Season and Combine: Mix in tomato paste (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes. Stir in cooked rice or quinoa into the skillet and combine everything thoroughly.
Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper generously with the chicken mixture, pressing down gently so they hold as much filling as possible. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
Bake with Cheese: Top each stuffed pepper with a helping of plant-based cheese. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving to brighten the dish and add fresh color.

Notes

Choose firm peppers for sturdier walls that hold the filling better and bake evenly.
Don’t overfill the peppers; leave some space to allow the filling to expand without spilling.
Use freshly ground spices to elevate the flavor compared to pre-ground varieties.
Fully cook the chicken mixture beforehand to ensure even cooking inside the peppers.
Let the stuffed peppers rest a few minutes before serving to help the filling settle and make them easier to cut.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: chicken stuffed peppers, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, gluten free, family dinner, healthy meal, easy recipe