Chicken-Stuffed Green Bell Peppers are a delightful dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken, the wholesome flavor of vegetables, and the comforting texture of rice, all enveloped in the vibrant green hues of bell peppers. This recipe, originating from lovewithrecipes.com, promises a culinary journey filled with aromatic delights and wholesome goodness.
Preparation Time: PT30M
Cooking Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H30M
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 green peppers
- 1/3 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons chicken broth
- 2/3 cup wild rice (with seasoning packet contents)
- 1 celery stalk
- 1 carrot
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mushrooms
- 1 zucchini
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 539.5
- Fat Content: 18.1g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.1g
- Cholesterol Content: 105mg
- Sodium Content: 938.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 53g
- Fiber Content: 8.1g
- Sugar Content: 11g
- Protein Content: 43.5g
Instructions:
- Start by preparing the green peppers. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds to create a hollow cavity suitable for stuffing.
- In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the prepared green peppers for approximately 3 minutes. This step helps to soften the peppers and prepare them for stuffing.
- Once blanched, drain the peppers and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set them aside as you prepare the filling.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they turn tender and aromatic, infusing the butter with rich flavor.
- To the onion and garlic mixture, add the diced chicken, chicken broth, wild rice (along with the seasoning packet contents), chopped celery, sliced carrot, dried basil, and dried thyme. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Lower the heat, cover the saucepan, and let the mixture simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed the delicious flavors of the broth and seasonings.
- Once the rice is cooked to perfection, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and diced zucchini. These fresh and vibrant vegetables add a burst of color and nutrition to the filling.
- Carefully spoon the prepared filling into the hollowed-out green peppers, ensuring that each pepper is generously stuffed with the savory chicken and rice mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a greased 2-quart casserole dish, arranging them snugly to prevent them from toppling over during baking.
- Spoon any remaining rice mixture around the peppers in the casserole dish, making the most of every flavorful ingredient.
- Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes. This gentle baking process allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring that the peppers are cooked to tender perfection.
- Once the peppers are tender and the filling is heated thoroughly, remove the lid or foil and sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with grated Parmesan cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and develop a golden crust.
- Carefully remove the chicken-stuffed green bell peppers from the oven and serve them hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Each bite is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Recipe Tips:
- Feel free to customize the filling according to your preferences. You can add extra vegetables such as corn, peas, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- For a spicy kick, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
Chicken-Stuffed Green Bell Peppers are not only a feast for the senses but also a wholesome and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comforting aroma. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the joys of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones.
