Ground Chicken Greek Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Stuffed peppers are a versatile and healthy dish that can be customized with various fillings to suit different tastes. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make Ground Chicken Greek Stuffed Peppers — a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a nutritious dinner, meal prep, or a unique spin on a traditional stuffed pepper. Using ground chicken as the base, combined with classic Greek ingredients like feta, olives, and fresh herbs, these stuffed peppers are both delicious and healthy.
Introduction
Stuffed peppers are a perfect dish for anyone looking for a wholesome, flavorful meal that can be prepared in a single pan. When combined with ground chicken, Mediterranean ingredients, and herbs, they become a healthier yet equally satisfying alternative to traditional stuffed pepper recipes that often rely on beef or pork. The result is a light, protein-packed dish that’s full of fresh flavors.
In this recipe, we’ll use ground chicken, quinoa, feta cheese, and a medley of Mediterranean vegetables and spices to create a filling that brings out the best of Greek cuisine. Whether you’re new to Greek cooking or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
What Are Greek Stuffed Peppers?
Greek-style stuffed peppers are a Mediterranean-inspired variation of the traditional stuffed pepper. Instead of the typical meat and rice filling, Greek stuffed peppers incorporate ingredients commonly found in Greek cuisine, such as:
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Feta cheese: A crumbly, tangy cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk.
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Olives: Green or Kalamata olives add a salty and briny flavor.
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Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano, parsley, and dill are commonly used in Greek cooking for a fragrant, zesty taste.
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Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes or a tomato sauce base add a rich, sweet flavor to the filling.
In Greek stuffed peppers, the peppers are often filled with a mixture of ground meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef), grains (like rice or quinoa), and various vegetables. They are then baked until tender, creating a delicious, one-pan meal.
Why Ground Chicken for Stuffed Peppers?
Ground chicken is a leaner alternative to traditional ground beef or lamb, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are some reasons why ground chicken works wonderfully in stuffed peppers:
Benefits of Ground Chicken:
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Lower in Fat: Ground chicken is significantly lower in fat compared to beef or lamb, making it a healthier choice for those looking to reduce their calorie and fat intake.
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Mild Flavor: Ground chicken has a mild flavor that pairs well with a wide range of seasonings, allowing the Mediterranean flavors to really shine.
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High in Protein: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which helps to build and repair tissues, making it a great addition to any meal.
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Quick Cooking: Ground chicken cooks quickly, making it perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers
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Choose the Right Peppers: Make sure the peppers are large enough to hold the filling. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter and more flavorful than green peppers.
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Don’t Overstuff: While you want the peppers to be filled, don’t overstuff them to the point where the filling spills over during baking. Ensure a slight mound at the top.
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Pre-cook the Filling: Cooking the filling beforehand helps to develop flavors and prevents undercooked quinoa or chicken inside the pepper.
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Baking with Foil: Covering the peppers with foil during baking helps retain moisture and prevents the peppers from drying out. You can uncover them at the end for a bit of crisping on top.
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Customize the Filling: Feel free to swap out ingredients to suit your taste. Ground turkey, lamb, or beef can replace the chicken, and you can add ingredients like zucchini, spinach, or eggplant for extra flavor.
How to Customize the Filling
While this recipe focuses on a Greek-inspired filling, the versatility of stuffed peppers means you can adjust it to suit different preferences. Here are some ways to get creative:
Protein Options:
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Ground Beef or Lamb: For a more traditional stuffed pepper, swap the ground chicken for beef or lamb.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with lentils, tofu, or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like spinach, eggplant, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
Cheese Options:
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Goat cheese can be substituted for feta to add a tangy flavor.
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Mozzarella or Parmesan can also be used for a creamy, rich taste.
Grains:
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Swap out quinoa for brown rice, couscous, or bulgur wheat for a different texture or flavor.
How to Cook Stuffed Peppers: Oven vs. Stovetop
Oven:
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Baking stuffed peppers in the oven ensures even cooking and allows the peppers to soften perfectly. The method used in this recipe, where peppers are covered with foil and baked at 375°F, ensures tender peppers with a crispy top.
Stovetop:
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If you prefer not to use the oven, stovetop cooking is another option. Simmer the stuffed peppers in a large pan with a lid, adding a little broth or water to create steam. Cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, checking occasionally until the peppers are soft.
Side Dish Pairings for Greek Stuffed Peppers
These Ground Chicken Greek Stuffed Peppers can be served with a variety of sides to complete the meal:
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Greek Salad: A refreshing salad of cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta, tossed with olive oil and lemon juice.
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Tzatziki: A creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce that complements the flavors of the stuffed peppers.
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Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and flavor.
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Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread for dipping into tzatziki or extra sauce.
Meal Prep and Storage
Meal Prep:
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Stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. Simply bake them as directed, then divide into individual servings for later.
Storage:
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Refrigerator: Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Conclusion
Ground Chicken Greek Stuffed Peppers are an excellent, healthy, and satisfying dish that blends Mediterranean flavors with the comfort of stuffed peppers. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prepping, or hosting friends, they’re sure to impress.
Ground Chicken Greek Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground chicken (can substitute with turkey)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- For the Topping (Optional):
- Extra crumbled feta
- Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or mint)
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If necessary, trim the bottoms so they stand upright.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with a little olive oil. Roast in the oven for about 10 minutes to soften while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).
- Stir in the oregano, cumin, tomato paste, and drained diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, crumbled feta, and chopped olives.
3. Stuff the Peppers:
- Take the roasted peppers out of the oven and carefully stuff them with the chicken and rice mixture.
- Once all the peppers are stuffed, cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until the peppers are tender.
4. Serve:
- Once the peppers are cooked, remove them from the oven and sprinkle with additional feta cheese, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of fresh flavor.