Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and good vibes, these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are just the ticket! Picture this: tender peppers filled to the brim with a savory mixture of ground chicken, aromatic herbs, and fresh veggies. Each bite is a delightful adventure in Mediterranean goodness! This recipe has become a favorite of mine because it’s not just delicious; it also brings everyone together around the dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these stuffed peppers are as versatile as they are tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-friendly: Kids love the colorful peppers and tasty filling, making dinnertime a breeze.
• Make-ahead option: Prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Flavor-packed: The blend of spices, olives, and feta creates an irresistible taste that will have you coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully. You’ll love how everything blends into a delicious meal that feels both comforting and refreshing.

For the Filling

• ⅔ cup uncooked white rice, or about 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 pound ground chicken breast
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• ½ cup kalamata olives, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, divided, plus more for sprinkling
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Peppers

• 3 bell peppers, halved horizontally and seeded
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup water
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Variations

One of the best things about Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers is their flexibility. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian twist!
• Change up the veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or any seasonal veggies you like.
• Get spicy: Toss in some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a little kick!
• Experiment with cheeses: Try goat cheese or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking for something different.

How to Make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Preheat and Cook Rice

First things first, preheat your oven to 350℉. While that’s heating up, cook your rice according to package instructions. Perfectly cooked rice will be the hearty base of our filling!

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Next, slice each bell pepper horizontally from top to bottom. Discard the stems, ribs, and seeds. This step is important because we want those beautiful peppers to hold all our delicious stuffing! Lay them cut side up in a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken along with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Don’t forget to drain any excess liquid; we want our filling to be flavorful but not watery!

Step 4: Stir in Veggies

Now stir in Italian seasoning, diced red onion, minced garlic, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring occasionally. This step is key because sautéing these ingredients enhances their flavors and adds depth to our stuffing.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine your cooked rice with the chicken mixture along with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh dill. Give it all a good stir until well combined—this is where all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors come together!

Step 6: Stuff the Peppers

Stuff each bell pepper generously with your mixture and sprinkle some extra feta on top along with more dill if desired. Pour ½ cup of water into the baking dish; this helps steam the peppers while they bake.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. The peppers should be tender after this time! Before serving, squeeze some lemon juice over the tops—this little touch elevates everything by adding brightness!

Enjoy these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers with homemade tzatziki sauce or simply on their own—they’re sure to become a beloved addition to your dinner rotation!

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers can be a breeze with these helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the overall healthiness of the dish. Opting for fresh rather than dried will make your stuffed peppers taste vibrant and lively.

• Mix in some heat: If you enjoy a little spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture. This adds an exciting kick that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

• Don’t overstuff the peppers: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leaving a little space at the top allows for even cooking and prevents spilling over during baking.

• Experiment with different cheeses: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using ricotta or goat cheese for a creamier texture. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor and can elevate your dish in delightful ways.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffed peppers to cool for about 5-10 minutes after baking helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to handle when serving.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them an ideal centerpiece for any meal. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped dill or parsley over the top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
• Lemon zest: A light grating of lemon zest adds brightness and enhances the citrus notes from squeezing lemon juice on top.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and feta drizzled with olive oil perfectly complements the stuffed peppers and adds crunch.

• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This herbaceous salad made with quinoa instead of bulgur wheat is gluten-free and packed with parsley, mint, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing—an excellent pairing for our Greek-inspired meal.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant tossed with olive oil and herbs make for a colorful side that complements the Mediterranean theme beautifully.

• Pita Bread: Warm pita bread served alongside allows guests to scoop up any leftover filling or dip into tzatziki sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Now you’re all set to serve these delightful Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers! Enjoy sharing this flavorful dish with family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are perfect for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, Mediterranean-inspired dish throughout the week. Whether you’re making them ahead for a busy week or storing leftovers, they’re versatile and easy to manage.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

• To freeze, first cool the stuffed peppers completely.
• Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat frozen stuffed peppers in the oven at 350℉ until heated through (about 25-30 minutes).
• Alternatively, you can microwave them on high until warm, usually about 2-3 minutes per pepper.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers that might help you!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative and adds more fiber. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to adjust cooking times as brown rice takes longer to cook.

What can I substitute for feta cheese in Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu with some lemon juice and nutritional yeast for flavor. Alternatively, vegan cheese varieties can also work well!

How do I make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers vegetarian?

To make these stuffed peppers vegetarian, replace the ground chicken with a mix of lentils, quinoa, or a plant-based meat substitute. Add extra veggies for flavor and texture!

How can I add more spice to my Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

You can add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick. Adjust according to your heat preference!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers! They are not only delicious but also colorful and packed with nutrients. This dish brings together vibrant flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends at any gathering. Enjoy every bite – and don’t forget to get creative with your own variations! Happy cooking!