Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a delightful meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, you’ve come to the right place! Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not only colorful and inviting but also incredibly satisfying. This dish is a favorite in my home because it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even special family gatherings. The combination of fresh ingredients and hearty chicken makes these stuffed peppers both nutritious and delicious!

Imagine serving these vibrant peppers at your next dinner party, impressing everyone without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these tasty stuffed peppers, making them a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the filling in advance and stuff the peppers when you’re ready to cook, saving time on busy nights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of chicken, feta, olives, and fresh herbs creates a deliciously satisfying dish that feels like a treat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair these peppers with homemade tzatziki sauce or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers feature simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather what we need for this tasty meal!

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 parts about Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers is their flexibility! You can easily customize this recipe to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or any other seasonal vegetables you love.
• Try different cheeses: Feta is classic, but goat cheese or mozzarella can bring new flavors.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños if you like a little heat!

How to Make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This ensures that when you’re ready to bake your stuffed peppers, they cook evenly and get that lovely golden top.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice

Cook your rice according to package instructions. Using white rice adds a nice texture and helps bind all the delicious filling together.

Step 3: Prep the Peppers

Slice each bell pepper horizontally from top to bottom. Discard the stems, ribs, and seeds. Lay them cut side up in a baking dish; this will hold all that savory filling beautifully!

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground chicken along with salt and pepper. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. This step is crucial as it adds flavor while ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Add More Flavor

Stir in Italian seasoning, diced red onion, minced garlic, and zucchini into the skillet. Let everything cook together for about 2 minutes. This brings out the sweetness of the onion and garlic while softening the zucchini just right.

Step 6: Mix It All Together

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice with your chicken mixture along with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and dill. Stir until everything is well mixed; this is where all those Mediterranean flavors come together!

Step 7: Stuff & Bake

Fill each pepper with your delicious mixture and sprinkle more feta on top along with some dill. Pour water into the baking dish around the peppers to help them steam as they bake. Cover with foil and bake for 40-45 minutes until they’re tender.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

Before serving, squeeze some lemon juice over each pepper for that zesty finish! These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are perfect on their own or served alongside tzatziki sauce—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These delicious Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to impress your guests or family. Here are some tips to ensure your stuffed peppers come out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of your dish, making each bite more vibrant and delicious.

• Customize the filling: Feel free to add other vegetables or substitute ground chicken with turkey or a plant-based option like lentils to suit your dietary preferences.

• Don’t overstuff the peppers: While it may be tempting to pack them tightly, leave a little room for the filling to expand as it cooks. This prevents sogginess and ensures even cooking.

• Pre-cook the rice thoroughly: Cooking the rice ahead of time ensures it’s fluffy and fully cooked by the time you stuff the peppers. This is key for achieving that perfect texture.

• Let them rest before serving: Allowing your stuffed peppers to sit for a few minutes after baking allows the flavors to meld together, providing a more delicious taste experience!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Serving these stuffed peppers can be just as fun as making them! With their colorful presentation, they’re sure to steal the show at any meal. Here are some ideas on how to serve them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or mint adds a refreshing touch that brightens up each plate.
• Extra feta: Crumbled feta on top gives an added creaminess that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A classic combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta dressed in olive oil and lemon juice makes for a refreshing side that pairs perfectly with the rich stuffed peppers.

• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This light, herby salad made with quinoa instead of bulgur offers a gluten-free alternative while delivering fresh flavors from parsley and lemon.

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth and balances out the meal’s flavors nicely.

• Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crunchy pita chips provides an excellent dipping option that complements the Mediterranean theme of your dinner.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers will become a beloved go-to recipe that everyone will enjoy! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are perfect for meal prepping! You can prepare them in advance, making it easy to have a healthy and delicious meal ready to go when you need it.

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 3-4 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the stuffed peppers before baking.
• Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350℉.
• Place the leftover stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for quick meals!

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Brown rice is a great alternative that adds more fiber and nutrients. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions before mixing it with the other ingredients.

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

If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try using crumbled tofu mixed with lemon juice and herbs as a feta substitute. You can also opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives which melt nicely!

How long do Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy them as leftovers or reheat for a quick meal!

Can I make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time by assembling them without baking. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to pop them in the oven.

What sides pair well with Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables. A side of tzatziki sauce also adds a lovely touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers! They’re not only bursting with flavor but also offer a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe, and feel free to make it your own. Happy cooking!