Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from inside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture, pressing it down gently.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the stuffed bell peppers.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Bell Peppers while watching the game with your dad! It’s a fun twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress.
Here are some tips to make your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Bell Peppers even more delicious:
- Choose the Right Bell Peppers: Look for bell peppers that are firm, glossy, and free from blemishes. Different colors of bell peppers can add visual appeal to your dish.
- Season the Chicken Mixture Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning the shredded chicken mixture. Taste it before stuffing the bell peppers to ensure it’s well-seasoned with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding some diced onions or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Pre-Cook the Bell Peppers: To ensure the bell peppers are perfectly tender, you can pre-cook them before stuffing. Simply blanch the peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking process. This step can help soften the peppers and reduce the baking time in the oven.
- Mix Up the Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for Chicken Parmesan, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. Try adding some shredded provolone or asiago for extra richness and flavor.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping, toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little olive oil or butter until golden brown before sprinkling them over the stuffed peppers. This step adds a nice texture contrast to the dish.
- Serve with a Side: While the stuffed bell peppers are delicious on their own, you can elevate the meal by serving them with a side of garlic bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed bell peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled peppers.
