Spooky Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

Looking for a fun, festive, and delicious dish to make this Halloween? These Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are a perfect blend of spooky and tasty! Stuffed with tender shredded chicken, flavorful rice, and seasoned to perfection, these bell peppers are not only nutritious but also adorable when carved to look like mini jack-o’-lanterns. Perfect for a Halloween party or a family dinner, this recipe will bring both flavor and festive vibes to your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Spooky & Fun: Turn ordinary bell peppers into Halloween-themed jack-o’-lanterns!
• Delicious & Filling: A hearty mix of chicken, rice, and spices makes for a satisfying meal.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains.
• Kid-Friendly: Get the kids involved in carving the peppers for extra Halloween fun.

Ingredients:

• 6 orange bell peppers (for the jack-o’-lantern look)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. Use a small, sharp knife to carve jack-o’-lantern faces on the front of each bell pepper. Be creative with your designs, but make sure to leave enough space for stuffing.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, shredded cheese, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
2. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill each carved bell pepper with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing down to pack it in tightly.
2. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, drizzle with a little olive oil, and cover loosely with foil.

Step 4: Bake

1. Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
2. Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking to let the tops of the peppers brown slightly.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1. Once done, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
2. Serve your spooky Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers as a fun main dish for your Halloween dinner!

Tips for Success:

• Get Creative with Carving: You can make the faces as simple or detailed as you like. Just ensure you have enough pepper surface left for stuffing.
• Switch Up the Protein: If you prefer, you can use ground beef or turkey instead of shredded chicken.
• Cheese It Up: For an extra cheesy version, sprinkle more shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper before baking.

Final Thoughts

These Halloween Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are not only spooky and festive but also packed with flavor and nutrition. They’re the perfect way to celebrate Halloween with a fun dinner that kids and adults will both love. Plus, you can customize the filling to your taste or dietary preferences, making this dish versatile and fun.

So, go ahead and bring some Halloween spirit to your kitchen with this easy and tasty recipe—don’t forget to share the spooky fun with friends and family!

Happy Halloween & Happy Cooking!