Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the sunny Mediterranean right to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not only vibrant and colorful but also bursting with flavor. I love making this recipe for family gatherings or even on busy weeknights when I want something hearty yet healthy. Trust me, once you try these stuffed peppers, they’ll become a go-to favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep work, these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers come together quickly. Perfect for a stress-free dinner!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone will love digging into these deliciously stuffed peppers. They’re packed with flavors that please both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare these stuffed peppers in advance. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Nutritious and Filling: With lean chicken, veggies, and rice, this dish is not only satisfying but also loaded with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers so special! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store.

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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are quite flexible and can be adapted to suit your tastes.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian option. Both variations work wonderfully!
• Change up the veggies: Add in some spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Experiment with cheeses: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat!

How to Make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. While that’s heating up, cook your rice according to package instructions. Using rice as a base helps absorb all those delicious flavors!

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Slice each bell pepper horizontally from top to bottom. Remove any stems, ribs, and seeds. Lay them cut side up in a 9×13 baking dish—this step is key as it makes room for all that tasty filling later on.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add the ground chicken along with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s no longer pink while breaking it apart as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and keeps it tender.

Step 4: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Stir in Italian seasoning, red onion, garlic, and zucchini into the skillet. Cooking these together for an additional two minutes helps meld those wonderful flavors while softening the veggies.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

In a large bowl, mix together your cooked rice with the chicken mixture, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh dill. Be sure to stir until everything is well combined—this is where all those Mediterranean flavors come together!

Step 6: Stuff Those Peppers!

Stuff each halved bell pepper generously with the mixture we just prepared. Sprinkle more feta cheese and dill on top for an extra layer of flavor. Pour half a cup of water into the baking dish; this will help steam the peppers as they bake.

Step 7: Bake & Serve

Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until everything is heated through and the peppers are tender. Just before serving, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over top to brighten up those flavors! Enjoy these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers alongside tzatziki sauce for an extra delicious touch!

Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can take your dish to the next level!

• Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers not only adds a vibrant touch but also enhances the dish’s visual appeal and flavor variety.

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Ensuring the ground chicken is just cooked through before mixing it with the other ingredients keeps it juicy and flavorful. Overcooking can lead to dry filling.

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone has different preferences, so don’t hesitate to taste your filling mixture before stuffing the peppers. Adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to make it perfect for your palate.

• Experiment with Rice Varieties: While this recipe calls for white rice, feel free to switch it up! Quinoa or brown rice can add different textures and nutritional benefits.

• Let It Rest: After baking, allow the stuffed peppers to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not just delicious; they also make for a stunning presentation at your dinner table. Here are some ideas on how to present this beautiful dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh Dill: A sprinkle of fresh dill on top adds a burst of color and enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Feta Crumbles: More feta cheese sprinkled over the top before serving brings that creamy tanginess which pairs perfectly with the peppers.
• Lemon Wedges: Fresh lemon wedges not only look attractive on the plate but also provide a zesty squeeze that brightens up each bite.

Side Dishes

• Greek Salad: A refreshing blend of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta drizzled with olive oil complements the stuffed peppers beautifully while adding crunch and freshness.

• Tzatziki Sauce: Serve alongside this creamy yogurt-based sauce made with cucumbers, garlic, and dill for dipping. It’s cool and refreshing against the warm stuffed peppers.

• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provides a hearty side that balances out the meal while keeping it nutritious.

• Quinoa Tabbouleh: This vibrant salad made from quinoa, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice adds a light yet satisfying component that pairs wonderfully with the stuffed peppers.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers – they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal throughout the week. You can prepare them in advance and store them for later, ensuring that you have a nutritious option ready when you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffed peppers to cool completely before storing.
• Place the peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be stored for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen peppers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For reheating, preheat your oven to 350℉.
• Place the peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delightful Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

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. Just keep in mind that it may require a longer cooking time.

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

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu mixed with lemon juice and herbs as a substitute. Alternatively, goat cheese can also be a tasty replacement!

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

When stored properly, they will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Enjoy them as leftovers or reheat them!

Can I make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the ground chicken with a mix of quinoa and additional vegetables for a filling vegetarian option that still packs all those Mediterranean flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers! They’re bursting with flavor and nutrition, making them special enough for gatherings but easy enough for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your results or variations with me—I’d love to hear how your culinary adventure turns out!