Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers are a vibrant and healthy meal option that perfectly balances the rich flavors of chicken, vegetables, and Mediterranean ingredients. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the savory taste of olives, feta, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all encased in the sweet, crunchy goodness of bell peppers. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a meal prep idea, these stuffed peppers are versatile, easy to make, and packed with delicious flavors.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:

   - Advertisement -
   • Begin by preparing the chicken breasts or thighs. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander. The combination of these spices adds an authentic Mediterranean flavor to the chicken filling.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown on the outside and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes it easier to shred or dice.

3. Shred or Dice the Chicken:

   - Advertisement -
   • After resting, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into small cubes. The chicken should be tender and juicy, and its flavor will absorb the seasonings it was cooked with.

Step 2: Preparing the Bell Peppers

1. Prepare the Bell Peppers:

   • While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bell peppers. Cut off the tops of each pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. You can also cut a small slice off the bottom if necessary to ensure the peppers sit upright in the baking dish. Be careful not to cut too much off the bottom; just enough to level them out.
   • Brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil and season the inside with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will help enhance the natural sweetness of the peppers during baking.

2. Pre-Bake the Peppers:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Place the prepared peppers in a baking dish and roast for about 10-12 minutes, or until they begin to soften but are still firm enough to hold their shape. This helps the peppers cook evenly with the filling.

Step 3: Preparing the Mediterranean Veggie and Feta Filling

1. Combine the Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, red onion, cucumber (if using), and fresh parsley. Add the dried oregano, garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper.
   • Drizzle the red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) and olive oil over the mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients, creating a fresh, Mediterranean veggie mix.

2. Add the Shredded Chicken:

   • Add the shredded or diced chicken to the veggie mixture and stir to combine. The chicken should be well coated with the vegetables and feta, and the mix should have a balanced ratio of chicken and Mediterranean ingredients.
   • Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for extra freshness.

Step 4: Stuffing the Bell Peppers

1. Stuff the Peppers:
   • Take the pre-baked bell peppers from the oven and carefully spoon the Mediterranean chicken filling into each pepper. Be sure to pack the filling in gently to ensure they are stuffed evenly without overfilling them.
   • Once each pepper is filled, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the tops of the stuffed peppers to help them brown nicely while baking.

Step 5: Baking the Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Bake the Stuffed Peppers:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
   • For an extra crispy top, you can remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the filling to slightly brown.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish:

   • Once the Mediterranean chicken stuffed bell peppers are baked, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, additional crumbled feta, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.

2. Serve:

   • Serve the stuffed peppers warm, either on their own or with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad. These stuffed peppers can be enjoyed as a main course or as part of a larger Mediterranean meal.

Tips for Making the Best Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Chicken Options:

   • While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used in this recipe, you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Chicken thighs are more forgiving in terms of moisture and tenderness.
   • If you prefer to save time, you can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast from a previous meal. Just shred it and add it to the filling mixture.

2. Adjusting the Vegetables:

   • The Mediterranean vegetable mixture is flexible. You can add other vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or roasted eggplant. Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies to personalize the recipe.

3. Feta Substitutes:

   • If you prefer a non-dairy version, you can substitute feta with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
   • You can also opt for a different cheese if feta isn’t to your taste. Goat cheese, mozzarella, or even Parmesan would work well in this recipe.

4. Make-Ahead Option:

   • You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance by making the chicken filling and stuffing the peppers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them into the oven.
   • These stuffed peppers also freeze well. To freeze, prepare the stuffed peppers as instructed and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

5. For Extra Flavor:

   • You can add a drizzle of tzatziki sauce or hummus on top of the stuffed peppers just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
   • For a smoky flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or roasted red peppers to the filling mixture.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers:

   • You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and instead using quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas as the base of the filling. Add in the same Mediterranean vegetables, herbs, and feta for a delicious plant-based meal.

2. Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Peppers:

   • If you enjoy heat, you can add some chopped chili peppers (such as jalapeños or banana peppers) to the filling mixture or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving for a spicy kick.

3. Greek-Inspired Version:

   • For a more Greek-inspired twist, you can use olives, spinach, and a mix of Mediterranean spices like dill or mint in the filling. The addition of olive tapenade as part of the filling can also elevate the Greek flavors.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers are an easy-to-make, flavorful, and nutritious dish that combines Mediterranean ingredients with the heartiness of chicken and vegetables. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers and fresh ingredients make this dish both visually appealing and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a meal prep idea, these stuffed peppers are versatile, satisfying, and perfect for a variety of dietary preferences.

Yield: 4

Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Print

Mediterranean Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers are a vibrant and healthy meal option that perfectly balances the rich flavors of chicken, vegetables, and Mediterranean ingredients. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with the savory taste of olives, feta, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all encased in the sweet, crunchy goodness of bell peppers. Whether you're looking for a satisfying dinner or a meal prep idea, these stuffed peppers are versatile, easy to make, and packed with delicious flavors.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 lb ground chicken (or lean ground turkey)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for extra filling)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so the peppers stand upright. Place them in a baking dish or on the prepared sheet.
3. Cook the filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
4. Season and mix: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, cooked quinoa or rice (if using), dried oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine and allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Stuff the peppers: Spoon the Mediterranean chicken mixture into each bell pepper, pressing it down slightly to pack the filling. If desired, top each stuffed pepper with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake the peppers: Place the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. If using cheese, bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a side salad or your favorite vegetable.

Notes

Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Make it spicy: For a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the filling.