Spooky Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Spicy and savory Halloween shredded chicken & rice stuffed peppers bring a haunting twist to your dinner table.

These vibrant bell peppers pack a delicious punch of flavor and seasonal excitement.

Each pepper bursts with tender, seasoned chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

The rich, warming spices complement the colorful pepper shells, creating a meal that’s both festive and satisfying.

Roasted to golden perfection, these stuffed peppers offer a comforting blend of textures and tastes.

You’ll love how easy they are to prepare and how impressive they look on the plate.

Serve these haunting peppers and watch your guests devour every last bite.

Pro Tips for Tender, Flavorful Stuffed Peppers

• Use a sharp knife to cut clean, even pepper tops and create spooky jack-o-lantern faces without crushing the delicate pepper walls.
• Pat peppers dry after blanching to remove excess moisture and ensure a firm, not watery, stuffed pepper texture.
• Mix in additional seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the Mexican-inspired chicken and rice filling.
• Choose a snug baking dish that helps peppers stand straight, preventing them from tipping over and spilling filling during baking.
• Swap shredded chicken with plant-based protein like black beans, quinoa, or meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.

Fun Variations for Halloween Dinner Stuffed Peppers

• Vegetarian Halloween Peppers: Replace chicken with crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat, using black beans and quinoa for protein-rich filling.
• Gluten-Free Spooky Peppers: Swap Mexican rice with cauliflower rice and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Monster Peppers: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, increase cheese and add diced jalapeños for extra heat and fewer carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Haunted Peppers: Substitute chicken with ground lamb, replace cheddar with feta cheese, and add Mediterranean spices like oregano and mint for international flavor profile.

Spooky Serving Ideas for Halloween Peppers

• Spooky Side Spectacular: Drizzle some green-tinted sour cream or guacamole over the peppers to create a creepy, oozing effect that screams Halloween fun.
• Ghoulish Garnish
• Haunted Plating: Serve the peppers on a dark plate with some fake spider web decorations around the dish to amp up the Halloween atmosphere and surprise your dinner guests.
• Monster Meal Companion: Pair the stuffed peppers with a blood-red salsa or a smoky black bean dip to complete the spooky themed dinner experience.

Storing Halloween Stuffed Peppers

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor transfer.
• Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Properly stored, they'll stay good for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place a single pepper on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs

• Are these peppers kid-friendly?

Absolutely! These Halloween stuffed peppers are perfect for children. The jack-o-lantern faces make them fun and exciting, and the mild Mexican rice and chicken filling is mild and tasty for young eaters.

• Can I make these peppers vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the shredded chicken with additional black beans, tofu, or a plant-based protein alternative. The cheese and rice will still provide plenty of flavor and substance.

• What peppers work best for this recipe?

Bell peppers in orange, green, or red are ideal. Choose medium to large peppers that can stand upright and have enough space for the delicious filling. Ensure they’re firm and have a smooth surface for easy carving.

Why Stuffed Peppers Make Halloween Dinners Memorable

• Transform ordinary bell peppers into Halloween-themed jack-o-lantern faces, creating a playful and festive dinner experience that delights both kids and adults.
• Pack a protein-rich meal with shredded chicken, beans, and rice, delivering a balanced and satisfying dinner that sneaks in vegetables without sacrificing flavor.
• Assemble the stuffed peppers in simple steps, making this recipe perfect for busy families wanting a themed meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Personalize each pepper with unique carved faces, encouraging family members to participate in meal preparation and enjoy a fun cooking activity together.

Ingredients for Spooky Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Vibrant vegetables that serve as the adorable jack-o-lantern base for this festive Halloween dish.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that provides hearty and delicious filling for the stuffed peppers.
• Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice mixture that adds texture and authentic taste to the stuffed peppers.

• Cheddar Cheese, Black Beans: Complementary ingredients that enhance the overall flavor and provide additional protein and richness to the filling.

• Water: Essential liquid for blanching the peppers and ensuring they become tender before stuffing.
• Cheese (Optional): Extra topping to add more melty goodness on top of the stuffed peppers.

Best Tools for Assembling Stuffed Halloween Peppers

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling and blanching peppers.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for slicing pepper tops and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for carving jack-o-lantern faces and chopping.
• Large Bowl: Great for mixing chicken, rice, cheese, and bean filling.
• Baking Dish: Crucial for holding and baking stuffed peppers.
• Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Colander: Helpful for draining rice or rinsing peppers.

Steps for Festive Shredded Chicken Rice Peppers

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Get a large pot of water bubbling on the stove.

Step 2: Create Spooky Pepper Faces

Grab bell peppers and wash them thoroughly.

Slice off their tops carefully.

Clean out the seeds and inner membranes.

Carve wickedly fun jack-o-lantern faces into each pepper to bring Halloween spirit to your dinner.

Step 3: Soften Pepper Shells

When water reaches a rolling boil, gently lower peppers and their tops into the water.

Let them dance in the hot water for about 5 minutes until they become tender but still maintain their structure.

Fish them out and let them cool down slightly.

Step 4: Build The Delicious Filling

• Cooked Mexican rice
• Shredded chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Black beans

Mix everything until well blended.

Step 5: Stuff The Peppers

Carefully spoon the chicken and rice mixture into each pepper.

For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle additional cheese on top of the filling.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Place the pepper tops back on.

Position the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the oven.

Bake for 30 minutes, watching for melted cheese and tender peppers.

Step 8: Serve With Spooky Excitement

Present these ghoulishly delightful jack-o-lantern peppers at your Halloween feast!

Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty halloween shredded chicken & rice stuffed peppers bring Mexican-inspired comfort to seasonal dining. Spicy peppers filled with zesty chicken and rice create a festive meal you’ll crave all autumn long.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers (orange, green, or your choice of color)
• 2 cups Mexican rice
• 1 shredded chicken breast
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Protein Additions:

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Clean bell peppers, slice off tops, and carefully remove seeds and inner membranes. Craft spooky jack-o-lantern faces into each pepper using a sharp knife.
3. Submerge peppers and tops in boiling water for 5 minutes until slightly softened but structurally intact. Drain and let cool momentarily.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cooked Mexican rice, tender shredded chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and protein-rich black beans until evenly distributed.
5. Generously stuff each pepper with the flavorful chicken-rice mixture, ensuring a compact fill. Optional: Sprinkle additional cheese across the top for extra richness.
6. Replace pepper tops and position stuffed peppers vertically in a sturdy baking dish, maintaining their upright Halloween character.
7. Transfer dish to preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes, monitoring until cheese melts completely and peppers reach desired tenderness.
8. Present these whimsical jack-o-lantern peppers as a festive, themed dinner centerpiece that delights both eyes and palate.

Notes

• Carve peppers carefully to create spooky faces without damaging the pepper structure, ensuring clean cuts for a professional Halloween presentation.
• Blanch peppers briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color while softening them enough for easy eating.
• Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to help them stand upright in the baking dish, preventing tipping and uneven cooking.
• Customize the filling by swapping chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or quinoa for vegetarian guests, making the dish inclusive and adaptable.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg