Some dinners just hit differently. Chicken stuffed peppers? They’re the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly easy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Think juicy minced chicken, gooey melted cheese, tender roasted peppers, and a hint of spice baked to perfection.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or just trying to impress your picky eaters, this stuffed peppers recipe is your go-to. And the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or chef-level skills.

Let’s dive in and learn how to make this satisfying meal that’s meaty, cheesy, and downright irresistible.

Table of Contents

What Are Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

Chicken-stuffed peppers are one of those dishes that feel fancy but are secretly incredibly simple to make.

Imagine tender bell peppers roasted just enough to bring out their sweetness, stuffed to the brim with juicy, flavorful minced chicken, and then layered with gooey, melty cheese.

It’s comfort food meets colorful presentation, and it works beautifully for everything from family dinners to casual get-togethers.

But here’s the twist that takes this recipe to the next level: Anaheim peppers. These add a mild heat and a roasted, smoky depth that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken and cheese.

When you combine all that with bold seasonings like garlic, cumin, and soy sauce and then bake everything until golden and bubbling, you get a meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours, even though it only takes around 45 minutes from start to finish.

Plus, it’s super customizable. Want it spicier? Use jalapeños. Prefer a different protein? Sub in beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat. Not a fan of dairy? Go with your favorite vegan cheese. This recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful.

At its heart, this dish is about balance: creamy cheese, savory meat, sweet peppers, and a little kick of heat. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to crowd-pleaser, especially during the holidays or whenever you want to impress without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down everything you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering dish to life. You’ll find most of these ingredients right in your pantry or fridge, and for anything you don’t have, simple swaps work just fine.

Here’s your complete list:

For the Peppers:

Bell Peppers (Red, Green, Yellow, Orange): Use large-sized ones so they’re easier to stuff and hold their shape. The variety adds color and flavor. Green is slightly bitter, red is sweet, and yellow or orange falls somewhere in between.
Anaheim Peppers: Optional, but highly recommended! These add a mild kick and smoky aroma once roasted.

For the Chicken Filling:

Minced Chicken (500g or 1.1 lb): Ground chicken is lean and soaks up flavor beautifully. It’s also easier to stuff into the peppers compared to chunks.
Olive Oil (1/4 cup or 60 ml): For sautéing the onions and chicken. You can substitute with any neutral oil, like vegetable or avocado oil.
Onion (1 medium, finely chopped): Adds a sweet-savory base to the filling.
Garlic (1 tbsp, minced): Because everything’s better with garlic! It adds an extra layer of aroma and depth to the chicken.

Seasonings & Flavorings:

Cumin Powder (1 tsp): Brings warm, earthy flavor that works beautifully with chicken.
Salt (1/2 tsp, or to taste): Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
Crushed Black Pepper (1 tsp): Adds just a touch of spice and depth.
Soy Sauce (1 tsp): A dash of umami. It deepens the flavor of the chicken.
Vinegar (1 tsp): Cuts through the richness and adds a slight tang.
Chili Sauce (2 tbsp or 30g): The original recipe used Zambo Yulic, a chili sauce with a kick. You can substitute any spicy sauce you like.

For Assembling:

Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and provides a stringy, pizza-like texture.
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, bold contrast to the mild mozzarella.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp total, divided): Half is added to the filling, and the other half is sprinkled on top for a fragrant, herbal finish.

Optional, But Great:

Broiler or Air Fryer: For a quick finish that crisps the cheese topping.
Fresh Herbs (like parsley or cilantro): For a final garnish to brighten the flavors.

🛒 Quick Tip for Grocery Shopping:

If you’re buying bell peppers at the store, look for ones with:

Firm, smooth skin (no soft spots)
A wide, flat bottom (so they sit upright while baking)
Bright colors, which indicate ripeness and flavor

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Delicious, easy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests

Step 1: Roast the Anaheim Peppers for Flavor Depth

Let’s kick things off by creating a flavor base that makes your stuffed peppers stand out from the average. We’re using Anaheim peppers, which are known for their mild heat and slightly smoky taste.

Roasting them first enhances their flavor and softens them just enough to blend beautifully with the chicken mixture.

Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 300°F–400°F (150 °C–200°C).
Wash the Anaheim peppers and slice them lengthwise. You can also dice them if you prefer more even heat distribution in the filling.
Remove the stems and seeds for a milder flavor. Want extra heat? Leave the seeds in, totally up to you.
Place the pepper slices on a baking sheet and roast them for 5-10 minutes, or until they become golden brown with slight charring.

Once they’re roasted, set them aside. You’ll use half of these peppers in the chicken mixture and save the other half for topping the stuffed bell peppers later.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t skip roasting! It draws out sweetness and adds a subtle smokiness that enhances the entire dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Flavor begins with your base ingredients, including onions and garlic.

Heat 1/4 cup (60 ml) of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 finely chopped medium onion to the hot oil.
Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.

This sets the stage for a savory, aromatic chicken filling that’s bursting with flavor from the very first bite.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Time to bring on the protein. We’re using minced chicken because it cooks fast and absorbs seasoning like a sponge.

Add 500g (1.1 lb) of minced chicken to the sautéed onions.
Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken has changed color from pink to white. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.

🐔 Note: If your pan feels too crowded (like it did in our kitchen!), go ahead and transfer the contents to a larger skillet. You want space so the chicken sears instead of steams.

Once the chicken is no longer pink, you’re ready to season.

Step 4: Infuse the Chicken with Bold Flavor

Now comes the real magic. Let’s turn that plain minced chicken into a flavorful fiesta.

Add the following to your pan:

1 tablespoon minced garlic: Stir in and cook for about 2 minutes to release its aroma.
1 tsp cumin powder: Adds a warm, earthy note.
1/2 tsp salt: Taste as you go and adjust as needed.
1 tsp crushed black pepper: For mild spice and depth.
1 tsp soy sauce: Introduces umami and savory richness.
1 tsp vinegar: Gives a hint of tanginess that balances the flavors.
2 tbsp (30g) chili sauce: We used Zambo Yulic, but feel free to substitute with Sriracha or any other chili sauce you love.

Once all the ingredients are in, stir thoroughly so that every bite of chicken is infused with flavor.

🍲 Let it simmer: Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly and absorbs all the seasonings.

At the very end of this step, stir in half of the roasted Anaheim peppers and half of the dried oregano. Save the rest for the assembly.

Turn off the heat and set the chicken filling aside. Your kitchen should already be smelling like a 5-star restaurant.

Step 5: Prep the Bell Peppers Like a Pro

Now it’s time to get your bell peppers ready for their big moment.

Choose large bell peppers, and they’re easier to stuff and hold their shape better during baking. Use a mix of colors for extra visual appeal.
Slice off the tops of the peppers, like a lid.
Use a small knife or spoon to remove the seeds and membranes from inside. You want them clean and hollow like little edible bowls.

🌶️ Color Tip:

Red = sweet and mellow
Green = slightly bitter and crisp
Yellow/Orange = a nice balance between the two

Step 6: Layer the Filling and Cheese

It’s time to bring this all together.

Start layering each bell pepper like this:

A spoonful of shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or both).
A generous scoop of chicken filling.
More cheese.
More chicken, almost to the top.
Top it with the remaining roasted Anaheim peppers for added flavor and color.
Final cheese layer, plus the remaining oregano sprinkled on top.

🧀 Cheese Combo: Mozzarella melts like a dream, while cheddar brings sharpness. Together, they balance richness with flavor.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Now for the final touch, baking it all into a cheesy, roasted masterpiece.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Ensure they’re nestled close together so they don’t fall over.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.

⏲️ Air Fryer Tip: You can use an air fryer, too, but proceed with caution. We tested it at 350°F for 30 minutes, and the top cheese layer burned. If you go this route:

Cover loosely with foil at first
Add cheese halfway through
Broil for 5 minutes at the end to get that perfect crisp

🌿 Once out of the oven, let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and keeps you from burning your mouth on molten lava cheese (we’ve all been there).

Step 8: Serve, Savor, and Enjoy!

Slice into one of those gorgeous peppers and take in that aroma, herby, cheesy, savory, and just a little spicy.

Each bite is:

Creamy from the melted cheese
Juicy and tender chicken
Sweet and smoky from the roasted peppers
Balanced with seasoning that dances on your tongue

It’s not just food—it’s an experience.

Whether you serve these up for Sunday dinner, potlucks, or even a quick Tuesday night meal, they’ll always steal the spotlight. Even our tester’s wife gave it a thumbs up and went in for seconds. That’s the kind of recipe we live for!

Serving Suggestions: What Accompanies Chicken-Stuffed Peppers Well?

You’ve just pulled a tray of golden, bubbly chicken-stuffed peppers out of the oven. The cheese is melted to perfection, the peppers are tender, and your kitchen smells like heaven. Now you’re wondering what I serve with them?

Fortunately, these peppers are pretty versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Whether you’re going for a light, healthy plate or a more indulgent comfort food spread, there’s a sidekick for every vibe.

Here are some delicious ideas to elevate your chicken-stuffed pepper experience:

🥗 1. Fresh Garden Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad cuts through the richness of the cheesy, meaty filling. Think lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. Bonus points for adding a sprinkle of feta or olives for Mediterranean flair.

🧄 2. Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

What better way to scoop up those cheesy bits that escape the peppers than with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread? It’s a match made in dinner heaven.

🥔 3. Mashed or Roasted Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit. Or try crispy roasted baby potatoes with herbs. They’re hearty and filling, just like the peppers.

🍚 4. Flavored Rice or Quinoa

A side of herbed rice or lemony quinoa adds texture and helps soak up all the delicious juice from the stuffed peppers. Try cilantro-lime rice or garlic butter quinoa for an extra boost.

🧀 5. Mac & Cheese

Feeling indulgent? Add a small scoop of mac & cheese for the ultimate comfort food combo. The double cheese hit is worth it.

🥒 6. Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Raita Style)

A cooling cucumber and yogurt salad pairs beautifully with the warmth of the Anaheim peppers and chili sauce. It’s a refreshing contrast that balances everything out.

Should Peppers Be Pre-Cooked Before Stuffing?

Ah, the age-old stuffed pepper debate: To pre-cook, or not to pre-cook?

Let’s break it down.

🔥 Short Answer: No, You Don’t Have to Pre-Cook Them

In this recipe, we skip pre-cooking the bell peppers before stuffing and here’s why:

The peppers bake for 30 minutes at 350°F, which is more than enough time for them to become tender and develop a rich flavor.
Skipping pre-cooking saves time, dishes, and effort without sacrificing texture or flavor.
The final texture provides a slight bite, which helps the pepper retain its shape and prevents it from collapsing under the heat.

🫑 But When Should You Pre-Cook Peppers?

You might want to par-cook your peppers if:

You like them very soft and meltingly tender
You’re short on oven time and want a faster final bake
You’re working with extra-thick-walled peppers that may need more time

To do it:

Boil or steam halved peppers for 3–5 minutes
Let them cool, dry them with a paper towel, and then proceed to stuff

👩‍🍳 Pro Chef Tip:
If you’re meal prepping or freezing the peppers, it’s best not to pre-cook them. They’ll become too soft when reheated. The raw-to-roasted method gives a fresher, firmer result even after storage.

Tips for the Best Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are simple, but turning them from good to unforgettable is all about mastering the little details.

These tips, inspired by real kitchen moments from the original video, will help you get the most flavor, best texture, and smoothest experience every time.

🫑 1. Use Large, Fresh Bell Peppers

When it comes to stuffing peppers, size matters. Bigger peppers mean more space for that delicious filling and fewer messes in the oven. Look for ones that are:

Firm and glossy
With wide bottoms (so they don’t tip over)
No wrinkles or soft spots

🌶️ Bonus Tip: A mix of red, yellow, green, and orange peppers adds eye-catching color and subtle flavor differences.

🔥 2. Roast Anaheim Peppers First

This step is optional but highly recommended. Roasting Anaheim peppers brings out their natural smokiness, adding depth to your stuffing. It also softens them, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the chicken filling without overpowering it.

Roast at 300–400°F for about 5–10 minutes
Use half in the filling and half for the topping

🌶️ Pro Move: If Anaheim peppers aren’t available, try poblano or banana peppers for a similar mild heat.

🧄 3. Don’t Skip the Garlic and Onions

The base of any flavorful filling starts here. Cook your onions until they are translucent and add garlic just before adding the seasonings; this brings out the flavor without burning. Trust us, this simple step elevates the entire dish.

🧂 4. Season Generously (But Taste as You Go)

We all have different preferences for salt and spices. Start with what’s listed in the recipe, but don’t be afraid to tweak:

Add a pinch more salt or pepper
Use your favorite chili sauce
Sprinkle in Italian herbs, paprika, or even taco seasoning

✨ The goal: A well-seasoned chicken filling that you’d eat by itself.

🧀 5. Cheese It Up – Strategically

You want cheese in every bite, not just on top.

Layer like this:

Cheese at the bottom (helps create a melty base)
Chicken mixture
More cheese in the middle
Chicken again
Final cheese topping

🧀 Best Cheese Combos: Mozzarella for its meltiness, and cheddar for its bold flavor. You can also try pepper jack, feta, or a Mexican blend.

🕒 6. Bake at the Right Temperature

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. This sweet spot allows the peppers to soften while the cheese browns and bubbles. Don’t overbake, or the peppers may collapse and the cheese might burn.

🥵 Air fryer warning: Cheese burns fast! Check on it often and consider adding extra cheese halfway through.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Comfort Food That’s Anything But Boring

Chicken stuffed peppers are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy, complicated, or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients, some pantry staples, and your favorite cheese, you can whip up a dinner that’s hearty, healthy (ish), and crowd-pleasing.

Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or simply craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe has got you covered. It’s flexible, freezer-friendly, and full of flavor in every bite. Plus, the gooey cheese on top? Absolute perfection.

So go ahead, save this recipe, share it with your friends, and make it your own. Stuff it, bake it, devour it, and don’t forget to pair it with something fresh on the side.

Healthy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Under 45 Min in 2025

What Are Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Chicken Stuffed Peppers