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To make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed) - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping) - Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a tasty, filling dish. The bell peppers are the perfect vessel for the BBQ chicken mix. You can use any color of bell pepper, so choose your favorite! The shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. BBQ sauce brings a sweet and tangy taste that makes this dish pop. Corn adds a bit of sweetness, while black beans give it a hearty touch. Quinoa or rice gives it a nice texture and makes it more filling. Seasoning is key! Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add depth. Use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you want to make it extra cheesy, sprinkle some cheddar on top. Finally, fresh cilantro or parsley adds a nice touch of color and fresh flavor when serving. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a delicious meal that's easy and fun to make! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Slice the tops off the bell peppers and take out the seeds. - Place the bell peppers upright in a baking dish. - In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, and black beans. - Add cooked quinoa or rice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Stir well until all ingredients blend in the BBQ sauce. - Spoon the mixture into each bell pepper, packing it slightly. - If you like cheese, sprinkle it on top of the stuffed peppers. - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, take off the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. - Look for tender peppers and bubbly cheese for doneness. - Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool. - Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. - Serve warm and enjoy the tasty blend of BBQ flavors! How to choose the best bell peppers When picking bell peppers, look for those that are firm and shiny. Pick ones without spots or soft areas. Any color works, but red, yellow, or orange adds sweetness. Green peppers have a slightly bitter taste, so consider your flavor goal. Packing tips for even cooking Stuff each pepper tightly but not too much. This helps them cook evenly. Press down lightly to ensure the filling stays in place. Fill until you reach the top. If you choose to add cheese, do it after the first bake for a nice melt. Additional spices or toppings To boost flavors, try adding cumin or chili powder. These spices give a warm kick. You can also add diced jalapeños for heat. For a fresh touch, add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving. This brightens the dish. Suggestions for homemade BBQ sauce Making your BBQ sauce lets you control the flavor. Mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to taste. A bit of Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Simmer it on low heat until it thickens. This makes your stuffed peppers even tastier. Adjusting for different oven types Most ovens cook evenly, but some may run hot or cold. Always check your peppers at 25 minutes. If they are not tender enough, bake them longer. A toaster oven may cook faster, so keep an eye on them. Tips for ensuring perfect bell pepper tenderness To get tender peppers, bake them covered for the first part. This traps steam and helps them soften. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to brown the tops. This method ensures a nice texture and great flavor. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of bell pepper colors not only enhances the dish visually but also adds different flavor nuances. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance and stuff the peppers when ready to cook. This makes for a quick weeknight meal. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Experiment with Sauces: Try different barbecue sauces, such as honey mustard or spicy chipotle, to give your stuffed peppers a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Tofu works great for a vegetarian option. For beef lovers, use cooked ground beef. Both options add a nice twist to the dish. For grains, if you want gluten-free, try quinoa or rice. You can mix in cauliflower rice if you want a low-carb version. This way, everyone can enjoy stuffed peppers. Think about adding different flavors. For a Southwest spin, throw in some cumin and jalapeños. You can also top with avocado for creaminess. If you prefer an Italian twist, use marinara sauce instead of BBQ. Add Italian herbs like basil and oregano for a fresh taste. You can also swap the cheese for mozzarella for a melty finish. For those who want vegetarian or vegan options, use plant-based chicken. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. This way, you cater to different diets. If you're on a low-carb or keto diet, use cauliflower rice and skip the beans. This keeps the dish tasty without extra carbs. Make it fit your needs while still being delicious! To store leftovers, let the peppers cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Make sure the lid seals tightly to avoid spills. If you want to freeze stuffed peppers, wrap them well in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe and helps them cook evenly. You can reheat stuffed peppers in two ways. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the peppers with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. For the microwave, place one pepper on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking in between. This helps keep the texture nice while warming. Can I make BBQ chicken stuffed peppers ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Just stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, follow the cooking steps. This saves time and makes dinner easy. What can I serve with BBQ chicken stuffed peppers? You can serve these peppers with a fresh salad or some tortilla chips. They also pair well with rice or quinoa for extra filling. I love adding a side of coleslaw for crunch! How do I know when bell peppers are done cooking? The peppers are done when they are tender and bright in color. You can check by poking them with a fork. If they feel soft, they are ready. The cheese should also look bubbly and slightly golden. Caloric content per serving Each serving of BBQ chicken stuffed peppers has about 400 calories. This is a great option for a filling meal. Breakdown of macronutrients - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 45g - Fat: 10g This mix offers a good balance of protein and carbs for energy. Gluten and dairy-free swaps You can use gluten-free BBQ sauce if needed. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Managing common allergens in the recipe If beans cause issues, you can leave them out or replace them with extra corn. Always check labels on BBQ sauce for allergens. This keeps the dish safe for everyone. BBQ chicken stuffed peppers are a fun and tasty dish. You learned about the best ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. With variations for diets and flavors, you can make them your own. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers too. Now, you have all you need to create this dish and impress your family. Enjoy your cooking adventure and the great flavors that come with it!

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Delicious bell peppers stuffed with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and quinoa, topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • to taste fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, black beans, cooked quinoa or rice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is coated in the BBQ sauce.
  • Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each bell pepper, packing it slightly to ensure they are filled well.
  • If using, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed peppers for extra flavor.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, stuffed peppers