Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a delightful combination of flavors and nutrition. Perfect for a summer dinner party or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish stands out with its vibrant colors and Mediterranean taste. Each pepper is filled with succulent ground chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these stuffed peppers come together quickly.
• Flavorful & Satisfying: The combination of feta cheese, olives, and spices makes every bite burst with flavor.
• Healthy Meal Option: Packed with protein and veggies, these peppers are a nutritious choice for any diet.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as a main course or an appetizer; they’re great for any occasion!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure delightful results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9X13 baking dish
• Large skillet
• Cooking pot
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• 9X13 baking dish: Perfectly holds the stuffed peppers while allowing them to steam during baking.
• Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the ground chicken and vegetables evenly without overcrowding.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of vegetables, making prep work faster and safer.

Ingredients

These gorgeous Chicken Stuffed Peppers are packed with Mediterranean flavors and textures! Nutritious and satisfying, this is a meal fit for a summer dinner party – or any night of the week.

For the Filling

• ⅔ cup uncooked white rice, or about 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 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
• ½ cup water
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉. While it heats up, cook the rice according to package instructions so it’s ready when you mix your filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Slice each bell pepper horizontally from top to bottom. Discard stems, remove ribs, and seeds from peppers. Lay them cut side up in a 9X13 baking dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Stir in the Italian seasoning, red onion, garlic, and zucchini. Cook for an additional 2 minutes while stirring occasionally until everything is fragrant.

Step 5: Mix Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine cooked rice with the chicken mixture. Add cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese (reserve some for topping), and fresh dill. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Stuff the Peppers

Stuff each prepared bell pepper with the filling mixture. Sprinkle more feta cheese on top along with some additional dill if desired.

Step 7: Bake

Pour ½ cup water into the baking dish to help steam the peppers while they cook. Cover with foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until peppers are tender.

Step 8: Serve

Squeeze lemon juice over each stuffed pepper before serving. Enjoy alongside homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce for an extra flavor boost!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

These Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them. Here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Pair with Tzatziki Sauce

• Homemade or Store-Bought: Serve your stuffed peppers with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast. The cool yogurt and cucumber dip complements the warm, savory flavors perfectly.

Add a Salad

• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese adds freshness and crunch to the meal.
• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed green salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice provides a light and zesty accompaniment.

Include Warm Pita Bread

• Soft Pita: Serve warm pita bread on the side for scooping up any leftover filling or tzatziki. It’s a great way to enjoy every bite of your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Dill: Fresh herbs can brighten up the dish. Sprinkle some chopped parsley or dill over the served peppers for added flavor and presentation.

How to Perfect Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Making the perfect Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers depends on a few key techniques. Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors of your stuffed peppers. Opt for high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the ground chicken just until it’s no longer pink. This ensures it remains tender when baked inside the peppers.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with spices and seasonings! The combination of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and fresh dill is key to flavorful stuffing.
• Adjust Cooking Time Based on Pepper Size: Larger peppers may require more baking time than smaller ones. Check for tenderness before serving.
• Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize your filling by adding other vegetables or grains like quinoa. This can make each batch unique.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing your stuffed peppers to rest for a few minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

To complement your Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers, consider these delightful side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal.

1. Classic Hummus: A creamy chickpea dip that pairs well for dipping veggies or pita bread alongside your stuffed peppers.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide sweetness and texture that enhance the Mediterranean theme of your meal.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf cooked with broth and herbs offers a hearty side that complements the dish beautifully.
4. Cucumber Feta Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, feta cheese, and olive oil balances out the rich flavors of stuffed peppers.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly charred asparagus adds a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory stuffing.
6. Lemon Garlic Quinoa: A zesty quinoa dish seasoned with lemon zest and garlic brings brightness while remaining healthy and filling.
7. French Fries (or Sweet Potato Fries): For a fun twist, serve crispy fries on the side as a casual alternative that kids will love!
8. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These traditional Greek delights filled with rice and herbs make an excellent addition to any Mediterranean spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken and vegetables well can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings as you go.
• Overcooking the rice: If you overcook the rice before mixing it with other ingredients, it can turn mushy. Cook it just until tender and fluffy.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking your stuffed peppers in a cold oven may result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent heat.
• Ignoring pepper size: Using peppers that are too small might not hold enough filling. Choose larger bell peppers for better stuffing capacity.
• Neglecting moisture: Not adding water to the baking dish can lead to dry stuffed peppers. Pour in half a cup of water to help steam them while baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

• Freeze stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a pepper on a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers that might help you out.

What can I serve with Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers?

Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers pair perfectly with tzatziki sauce, a fresh salad, or warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Yes! Quinoa is a great substitute for rice and adds extra protein and fiber to your dish.

How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?

The stuffed peppers should be tender and cooked through. You can check by piercing them with a fork; they should feel soft but not mushy.

Can I make these Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different proteins or veggies based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try for a nutritious meal that everyone will love!