Are you tired of boring, repetitive weeknight dinners that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform your meal routine with these mouthwatering Quinoa Chicken Stuffed Bell Peppers! This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines lean protein, nutritious quinoa, and vibrant bell peppers into one irresistible dish. Perfect for health-conscious foodies and busy home cooks, these stuffed peppers are about to become your new go-to recipe that will impress family and friends alike.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the bell peppers by washing them thoroughly, then carefully cut each pepper in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Arrange the pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, shredded chicken, black beans, and corn. Add cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Spoon the quinoa and chicken mixture generously into each bell pepper half, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and symmetrical to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.
- For extra flavor, consider roasting your bell peppers briefly before stuffing to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time without compromising taste.
- Make sure to drain black beans and corn thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in your filling.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added excitement.
- For a meal prep option, these stuffed peppers can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- If you want a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Let the peppers rest after baking to allow the filling to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
