Full Meal Stuffed Peppers
A hearty and comforting stuffed peppers dish featuring tender green peppers filled with a savory chicken and rice mixture, topped with cheese and crispy cracker crumbs, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 medium green peppers ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of broccoli soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red or green peppers ⓘ
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cheese cracker crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the green peppers in half lengthwise and place them in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and microwave on High for 5 minutes to soften the peppers.
- Set the peppers aside after microwaving.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of broccoli soup and milk; stir until smooth.
- Add the cooked rice, diced cooked chicken, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped red or green peppers, and chopped celery to the soup mixture. Mix well.
- Divide the chicken and rice mixture evenly among the prepared pepper halves.
- Sprinkle the cheese cracker crumbs over the filled peppers.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cracker crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the chicken and rice mixture. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with black beans or lentils. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack, for added flavor. If you're short on time, use leftover chicken from recipes like Microwave Barbecue Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers make a hearty main dish and pair beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For a complete meal, serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread or a light soup like Marion'S Bean Soup. They can also be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Full Meal Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 508 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 896mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of peppers such as red, yellow, or even poblano peppers for a slightly different flavor. Just ensure they are large enough to hold the filling. Each type of pepper will give a unique taste to the dish, so feel free to experiment!
Can I prepare stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Just assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
What can I substitute for cream of broccoli soup?
If you don't have cream of broccoli soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup as a substitute. Alternatively, you could make a homemade version by blending cooked broccoli with cream or a dairy-free option, adjusting the flavors to your liking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).