Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy dish that bursts with flavor, then Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are just what you need! This recipe is a delightful blend of wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean goodness that will transport your taste buds straight to sunny shores. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these stuffed peppers are not only satisfying but also a feast for the eyes. You’ll want to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: These stuffed peppers are colorful and fun, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling ahead of time, and just stuff the peppers before baking—easy peasy!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs, feta cheese, and fresh veggies creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this dish. You’ll find the flavors of Greece shining through each bite!

• ⅔ cup uncooked white rice, or about 2 cups cooked white rice
• 3 bell peppers, halved horizontally and seeded
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 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
• ½ cup water
• lemon wedges, for serving

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have at home.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a different twist.
• Add extra veggies: Incorporate spinach or artichokes into the filling for added nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Instead of feta, try crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to give your stuffed peppers an extra kick!

How to Make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Cook the Rice

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350℉ and cook the rice according to package instructions. Cooking the rice ahead of time ensures it’s fluffy and ready to mix into your stuffing later.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

Slice each bell pepper horizontally from top to bottom. Discard any stems and seeds. Lay them cut side up in a baking dish. This step is important because it helps create a sturdy vessel for your delicious filling!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken along with salt and pepper. Cook until there’s no pink left in the meat—about five to six minutes. Break it up as it cooks and drain any excess liquid afterward. This ensures your filling is perfectly seasoned without being too watery.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Stir in Italian seasoning, diced red onion, minced garlic, and zucchini into the skillet. Sauté everything together for about two minutes until fragrant. This step brings out all those delicious flavors!

Step 5: Combine Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice with the chicken mixture along with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and dill. Stir everything together until well mixed—it should smell amazing by now!

Step 6: Stuff the Peppers

Generously stuff each bell pepper with your flavorful mixture. Top them off with extra feta and dill for that finishing touch! Pour half a cup of water into the baking dish for steaming—this keeps them moist while they bake.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for about 40 to 45 minutes. Once they’re done baking, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them before serving. Enjoy with tzatziki sauce on the side if you like!

Now you’re all set to impress your friends or family with these stunning Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers can be a delightful experience, especially when you have these handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of your dish, making each bite more vibrant and delicious.
• Don’t skip pre-cooking the rice: Using cooked rice not only saves time but also ensures that the texture of the stuffed peppers is just right and prevents them from becoming too soggy.
• Experiment with pepper colors: Different colored bell peppers (red, yellow, green) not only add visual appeal but also varying levels of sweetness to your dish.
• Make ahead for convenience: Prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This way, you can simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to adjust spices and seasonings as needed. A little extra dill or a dash of chili flakes can personalize your dish wonderfully!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Here are some creative ways to present this tasty dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh dill sprigs: Adding a few sprigs of fresh dill on top brings a burst of color and enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Crumbled feta: A sprinkle of extra feta cheese on top adds richness and creaminess that complements the stuffing beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with stuffed peppers. The freshness balances out the heartiness of the main dish.
• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This light tabbouleh made with quinoa instead of bulgur offers a refreshing side that’s rich in protein and fiber—great for complementing your stuffed peppers.
• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and flavor while being simple to prepare. The caramelization brings out their natural sweetness, enhancing your meal.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, tzatziki sauce serves as a cool and creamy dip that complements the spices in your stuffed peppers beautifully.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, your Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers will surely impress your guests or make any dinner night special! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them ahead of time for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Plus, they store well, so you can enjoy the flavors of Greece whenever you like.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For freezing, it’s best to freeze the stuffed peppers before baking.
• Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350℉.
• Place the leftover peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 25-30 minutes until heated through. You can add a splash of water to keep them moist.

FAQs

Got questions? No problem! Here are some common inquiries about Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers that might help you out.

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

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great substitute. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.

How do I make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers vegetarian?

You can easily swap out the ground chicken for a mixture of cooked lentils or quinoa combined with additional veggies. This will provide both protein and texture without sacrificing flavor!

Can Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers be made ahead of time?

Yes! These stuffed peppers are fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare them ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

What kind of cheese can I use in Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

While feta cheese is traditional, you could also try using goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor profile or dietary options.

Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that bring joy to your table. I hope you’ll find the process of making them just as rewarding as enjoying every bite! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, these peppers are sure to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe!