Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers - A Spooky Dinner Delight

These Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a fun and festive way to celebrate spooky season with the family! With carved jack-o-lantern faces, these stuffed peppers are as playful as they are delicious. The filling is a savory mix of shredded chicken, Mexican rice, black beans, and cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection inside tender bell peppers. They’re an easy and impressive meal for Halloween gatherings or themed dinners. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make these peppers a hit!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (orange, green, or your choice of color): Acts as the edible “jack-o-lantern” that holds the filling.
• 2 cups Mexican rice: Provides a flavorful base with a kick of spice, perfect for stuffing.
• 1 shredded chicken breast: Tender, flavorful chicken from the Slow Cooker Shredded Taco Chicken recipe.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the filling, adding a rich, cheesy goodness.
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained): Adds protein and a hearty texture to the filling.

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Step 2:

Rinse the bell peppers, slice off the tops, and hollow out the insides by removing the seeds and white membranes. For a spooky twist, carve a jack-o-lantern face into each pepper using a small paring knife.

Step 3:

Once the water is boiling, place the peppers and their tops into the water for about 5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still firm. Remove from the water and let them cool slightly.

Step 4:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked Mexican rice, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and black beans. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 5:

Fill each pepper with the chicken and rice mixture. If you want extra cheesiness, sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese on top of the filling before putting the pepper tops back on like little hats.

Step 6:

Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender to your liking.

Step 7:

Once the peppers are done, let them cool slightly before serving. These spooky jack-o-lantern peppers are perfect for Halloween-themed dinners or parties!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve these Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers immediately while they’re warm and the cheese is melted. They make a great centerpiece for a Halloween dinner or party spread.
• If you have any leftovers, store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
• These peppers are also perfect for meal prepping. Prepare and stuff the peppers ahead of time, and bake them just before serving for a quick, ready-to-go meal.

Helpful Notes

• You can swap out the shredded chicken for ground beef or turkey if you prefer a different protein. Just make sure to cook it fully before adding it to the filling mixture.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra beans, corn, or diced vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling.
• Feel free to customize the jack-o-lantern faces on the peppers to make them as spooky or silly as you like!

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Bobby Flay recommends adding a drizzle of enchilada sauce over the peppers before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chef Alex Guarnaschelli suggests serving these stuffed peppers with a side of guacamole or salsa for added texture and flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• These peppers are fun, festive, and bring a playful element to your Halloween dinner table.
• The combination of shredded chicken, Mexican rice, and melted cheese makes for a hearty, delicious filling that everyone will love.
• They’re easy to make ahead of time, which is perfect for busy holiday gatherings or meal prepping.

Variations

• For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives for the filling.
• For an extra smoky flavor, grill the peppers instead of boiling them before stuffing.