Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 bell peppers, seeds removed and cut in half
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed, half diced, half sliced, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Avocado slices (for garnish)
- Cilantro leaves (for garnish)
Proteins & Dairy
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 cup Mexican style shredded cheese*
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 2 cups enchilada sauce, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- Cook the filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, half of the diced jalapeño, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground chicken and taco seasoning, cooking until the chicken is fully browned and crumbled, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of enchilada sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the cooked chicken mixture evenly into each bell pepper half. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, arranging them so they fit snugly.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining 1 cup of enchilada sauce over the stuffed peppers. Top each with a generous sprinkle of Mexican style shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with avocado slices, cilantro leaves, and the remaining sliced jalapeño for extra heat if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- *Mexican style shredded cheese typically includes a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso quesadilla, and asadero cheeses for a rich and melty topping.
- For a milder version, omit the jalapeño or remove all seeds before dicing.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of ground chicken.
- These stuffed peppers can be assembled in advance and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican