Shredded Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers | Festive Halloween Dinner
Shredded chicken rice stuffed peppers are one of those recipes that bring comfort, flavor, and festive fun all at once. I first made them for a Halloween party and placed them right next to a Halloween meat and cheese board and a pumpkin shaped vegetable platter. Guests were amazed by the bright orange peppers carved like little jack o lanterns and filled with cheesy chicken rice goodness. The smell of baked peppers and bubbling cheese filled the kitchen and reminded everyone of cozy fall evenings. This dish quickly became part of our annual Halloween food dinner spread, alongside snack Halloween favorites and a sweet Halloween cake.
If you are looking for Pinterest Halloween food inspiration, stuffed peppers with rice are a must. They are hearty, healthy, and easy to prepare ahead of time, making them the perfect addition to your Halloween harvest hash Chex mix party table.
Shredded Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and carve jack-o’-lantern faces if desired. Place cut side up in a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, rice, diced tomatoes with liquid, corn, black beans, cheese, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pepper half with the mixture and press gently to pack.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until the peppers soften.
- Remove foil, top with more cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot with sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love this recipe
Shredded chicken rice stuffed peppers are:
- The ultimate Halloween food dinner centerpiece that looks as good as it tastes.
- Balanced with protein, grains, and vegetables in every serving.
- Easy to prep early so you can spend more time on a Halloween cheese and cracker platter or other snacks.
- Customizable with different spices, toppings, or fun jack o lantern carvings.
- A hit on Pinterest Halloween food boards because they are festive and family friendly.
This recipe works whether you are planning a weeknight meal or a full snack Halloween spread with sweet and savory treats.
Ingredients and substitutions
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution |
| Bell peppers | 4 medium | Orange peppers for Halloween, green for classic flavor |
| Shredded chicken | 2 cups | Use rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or beans |
| Cooked rice | 1 cup | Try quinoa or cauliflower rice |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 can (15 oz) | Fire roasted for smoky flavor |
| Corn | 1/2 cup | Fresh, canned, or frozen |
| Black beans | 1/2 cup | Pinto or kidney beans |
| Cheese | 1/2 cup shredded | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy free |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup | Vegetable broth for vegetarian version |
| Spices | Chili powder and cumin | Add paprika or taco seasoning |
Step by step directions
- Cut peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds, and carve jack o lantern faces if desired. Place cut side up in a baking dish.
- In a large bowl mix shredded chicken, rice, diced tomatoes with liquid, corn, black beans, cheese, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each pepper half with the mixture and press gently to pack.
- Cover dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until peppers soften.
- Remove foil, add more cheese on top, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve hot with sour cream, avocado, or cilantro.
How to serve stuffed peppers with rice
- Arrange peppers on a platter surrounded by a Halloween meat and cheese board.
- Add a pumpkin shaped vegetable platter for color and freshness.
- Offer a Halloween cheese and cracker platter so guests can snack while peppers bake.
- Finish the meal with Halloween cake for a perfect sweet ending.
- Pair with Halloween harvest hash Chex mix for a crunchy party snack.
Tips for perfect results
- Choose orange peppers for a pumpkin like effect.
- Cook rice and chicken ahead of time for fast assembly.
- Add extra cheese to make the filling gooey and rich.
- Bake uncovered at the end for golden melted cheese.
- Keep the jack o lantern carvings small so filling stays inside.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to cook rice before stuffing leads to uneven texture.
- Overbaking peppers makes them mushy instead of tender.
- Skipping broth or tomatoes results in a dry filling.
- Cutting large jack o lantern holes causes the filling to spill out.
Storage and reheating
| Method | Storage | Reheat |
| Refrigerator | Airtight container for 4 days | Microwave 2 to 3 minutes or oven at 350°F |
| Freezer | Wrap each pepper and freeze up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, bake at 350°F for 20 minutes |
| Meal prep | Store filling and peppers separately | Assemble right before baking |
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with beans, lentils, or quinoa.
Do I need to cook peppers first?
No, they soften perfectly in the oven with the filling.
How can I make them spicier?
Use pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, or add hot sauce.
Can I prepare these a day ahead?
Yes, assemble peppers, cover, and refrigerate until baking.
What pairs well with them?
Halloween cheese and cracker platter, pumpkin shaped vegetable platter, and Halloween harvest hash Chex mix make great sides.
Conclusion
Shredded chicken rice stuffed peppers are colorful, flavorful, and festive, making them a highlight of any Halloween food dinner. They pair beautifully with a Halloween meat and cheese board, a snack Halloween tray, and a Halloween cake for dessert. If you are planning a Pinterest Halloween food table, these peppers will steal the show. They are easy to prepare, family friendly, and perfect to save for your fall recipe collection.
