Shredded Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers Halloween is one of those recipes that brings both smiles and full bellies to the table. I still remember carving pumpkins with my kids and realizing the bell peppers on the counter could be just as playful. That moment sparked the idea to transform a hearty, comforting dinner into a Halloween centerpiece. These peppers are warm, cheesy, and satisfying, but also fun enough to become a yearly tradition. If you love playful seasonal recipes, you might also enjoy this Pumpkin Pasta Bake.
What are stuffed Peppers?
Stuffed peppers are hollowed bell peppers filled with savory mixtures like meat, rice, cheese, and vegetables. In this festive Halloween twist, we carve jack-o’-lantern faces into orange peppers and fill them with a creamy, seasoned blend of shredded chicken and rice. The result is a comforting main dish that doubles as decoration on your spooky dinner table.
Why You’ll Love It
These stuffed peppers are family-friendly and kid-approved, bringing a complete meal of protein, grains, and veggies in one colorful package. They’re perfect for Halloween parties or cozy weeknight dinners, flexible with add-ins depending on what’s in your pantry, and they serve as edible jack-o’-lanterns that make everyone smile. For another festive treat that kids adore, check out these Ghost Oreo Balls.
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Shredded Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers Halloween
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 serving 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spooky jack-o’-lantern bell peppers filled with a cheesy chicken and rice mixture, perfect for Halloween dinners or parties.
Ingredients
4 large orange bell peppers
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 ½ cups cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup salsa or tomato sauce
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional add-ins: corn, black beans, spinach, extra cheese, jalapeños
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds, carve faces.
Mix chicken, rice, salsa, cheese, and spices.
Stuff peppers, replace tops, brush with oil.
Bakze 30–35 minutes until tender and hot.
Serve warm.
Notes
Swap chicken for beans for vegetarian. Use mozzarella or pepper jack for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcl
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: Stuffed peppers, chicken rice peppers, Halloween dinner, jack-o’-lantern recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large orange bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup salsa or tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Add-ins: corn, black beans, chopped spinach, extra cheese, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Prep Peppers: Cut tops off peppers, remove seeds, and carve jack-o’-lantern faces on one side.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, salsa, cheese, and spices. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill peppers with the mixture and place the tops back on. Brush exteriors with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake upright in prepared dish for 30–35 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is hot.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spooky Halloween meal!
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
| Ingredient | Notes & Swaps |
|---|---|
| Bell peppers | Orange creates the jack-o’-lantern look, but red or yellow work too. |
| Shredded chicken | Leftover rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breast both work. |
| Rice | White, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. |
| Cheese | Cheddar is classic; mozzarella or pepper jack add variety. |
| Salsa | Cheddar is classic; mozzarella or pepper jack adds variety. |
| Spices | Adjust paprika for smokiness or add chili powder for heat. |
Tips & Variations
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for black beans and corn. Add crunch by topping with crushed tortilla chips after baking, or spice it up with jalapeños or hot sauce. Meal prep is easy too—make the filling up to 2 days in advance, then just stuff and bake when ready. For more spooky dinnertime inspiration, don’t miss this Eyeball Pasta Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze by wrapping each pepper tightly in foil and storing it up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge before reheating. To serve again, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave on medium power until hot.
FAQs
Yes, you can prep and stuff the peppers a day in advance, then bake when ready to serve.
No pre-cooking is necessary. Baking them filled ensures they become tender while holding their shape.
They pair well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Halloween isn’t just about candy; it’s also about creating warm memories around the table. Shredded Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers. Halloween brings fun and nourishment together in a way that kids and adults can both enjoy. With simple ingredients, customizable add-ins, and a festive presentation, these edible jack-o’-lanterns can brighten your spooky season year after year. Whether you’re planning a themed dinner party or just want to make weeknight meals more exciting, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a new favorite tradition.