Jack-o’-Lantern chicken and rice stuffed peppers are a fun, festive, and healthy meal perfect for Halloween or any fall gathering. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 6 large orange bell peppers (for the “pumpkin” look)
- 1 lb ground chicken (or shredded chicken)
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prep the Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the bell peppers, then carefully slice off the tops and set them aside. Remove the seeds and membranes from the inside.
- Use a small knife to carve Jack-o’-Lantern faces into one side of each pepper (triangles for eyes, a nose, and a jagged mouth).
2. Cook the Filling:
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until the chicken is fully browned.
- Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend together, then remove from heat.
3. Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into each carved bell pepper, packing it in tightly.
- Top each stuffed pepper with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Place the tops of the peppers back on like little “pumpkin lids.”
4. Bake:
- Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Add a small amount of water (about 1/4 inch) to the bottom of the dish to help steam the peppers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve:
- Carefully remove the peppers from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your fun, spooky Jack-o’-Lantern stuffed peppers!
These make a great main course for a Halloween-themed dinner or a fall family meal. Plus, they’re packed with protein and veggies!
