Ingredients:

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• Bell peppers – 2 (any color)
• Cooked rice – 100g
• Chicken fillet, diced – 1 fillet
• Onion, chopped – 1
• Tomatoes, chopped – 2
• Butter – For cooking
• Carrot, grated – 1
• Mushrooms, sliced – 150g
• Garlic, minced – 4 cloves
• Mozzarella, grated – 200g
• Egg, beaten – 1

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cut the Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside. Set the peppers aside for later filling.
3. Blanch the Peppers (Optional): If you want softer peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to cold water. This step is optional if you prefer your peppers to retain a bit of firmness.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook 100g of rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken fillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, and sauté the chopped onion, grated carrot, and sliced mushrooms over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the mushrooms are browned.
4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine the Filling: Add the cooked rice and the sautéed chicken to the vegetable mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
6. Add Cheese and Egg: Stir in 150g of the grated mozzarella and the beaten egg. This will help bind the filling together when it bakes inside the peppers.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill the Peppers: Take your prepared bell peppers and stuff them generously with the chicken and rice mixture. Press the filling down gently to make sure the peppers are packed full.
2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 50g of grated mozzarella on top of each stuffed pepper for a delicious cheesy topping.

Step 4: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

1. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a greased baking dish.
2. Bake: Bake the peppers in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
3. Broil (Optional): If you like a crispy top, you can broil the peppers for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crispy cheese topping.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve Hot: Remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.

Cooking Tips:

• Choose Firm Peppers: When selecting bell peppers, opt for firm and evenly shaped peppers that can stand upright in the baking dish. This makes them easier to stuff and bake.
• Blanching for Softer Peppers: Blanching the peppers before stuffing them helps soften the peppers and shortens the baking time. If you prefer firmer peppers, you can skip this step.
• Customize the Filling: You can customize the filling by adding other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or corn. If you want to add more protein, you could also include some beans or lentils.
• Add Spices: For a flavor boost, you can season the filling with additional spices such as cumin, paprika, or Italian seasoning. This will add extra depth to the dish.
• Using Leftover Filling: If you have any leftover filling, it can be baked separately or used as a side dish or filling for tortillas or wraps.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Stuffed peppers freeze well. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 360-400 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 700mg

This recipe provides a balanced meal with a good amount of protein from the chicken and cheese, healthy carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu, lentils, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or eggplant to enhance the filling.

2. What can I serve with stuffed peppers? Stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but you can serve them with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a more substantial meal.

3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake them in the oven as directed.

4. How do I keep the peppers from falling over while baking? Use a baking dish where the peppers fit snugly or place crumpled aluminum foil around them to help them stay upright during baking.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, feta, or any other cheese you prefer.

6. How can I add more flavor to the dish? Add additional spices like paprika, cumin, or cayenne to the filling for extra flavor. You can also top the peppers with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Conclusion:

These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken, Rice, and Mozzarella are a delicious and well-balanced meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rice, vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish that will please everyone at the table. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a weekend meal prep, or a gathering with friends, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress. Easy to customize and packed with nutritious ingredients, this recipe is a great addition to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with your favorite side dishes or on its own for a complete, hearty meal!