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- 4 large bell peppers (any color of your choice) - 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup corn kernels (can be fresh or frozen) - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional) - Baking dish - Mixing bowl - Spoon and spatula - Oven - Knife The right ingredients make all the difference in Ranch Chicken Stuffed Peppers. First, choose large bell peppers. You can pick any color you like. Next, use one pound of cooked chicken. Shredded chicken works best for mixing. You will need one cup of ranch dressing. This dressing makes the dish creamy and tasty. Corn is next. One cup of corn kernels adds sweetness. You can use fresh or frozen corn. Black beans are important too. Use one cup, and rinse and drain them well. They add protein and texture. Don’t forget cheese! You will use one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will melt on top and create a tasty layer. For flavor, add one teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices add depth. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delightful meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Rinse the bell peppers well. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. - In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, corn, and black beans. - Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Stir the mixture until everything is mixed well. - Use a spoon to fill each bell pepper with the chicken mixture. - Press the mixture down lightly so it fits well. - Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake until the cheese melts. - Always ensure chicken is fully cooked before shredding. This keeps the meat safe and tasty. - Pack the filling tightly for best results. This way, every bite is full of flavor. - Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving. It adds a creamy touch that everyone loves. - Garnish with cilantro for color. This makes your dish look fresh and inviting. - Don't skip pre-cooking the chicken. Using raw chicken can lead to undercooked meat. - Be careful not to overfill the peppers. This can cause spillage and mess in your oven. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of bell pepper colors not only enhances the visual appeal of your dish but also adds a variety of flavors. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even cream cheese for a different flavor profile. Optimal Cheese Melting: For an extra gooey texture, consider using a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella along with cheddar. Serve with Flair: Pair the stuffed peppers with a side salad or some tortilla chips to make a complete meal, and drizzle with extra ranch dressing for added flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch things up with ground turkey or beef instead of chicken. This change can give you a new taste. If you want a lighter meal, try low-fat ranch dressing. It still brings that ranch flavor but cuts some calories. For more moisture, add diced tomatoes to the filling. This small step can make a big difference. If you like heat, toss in some jalapeños. They add a spicy kick that elevates the dish. Need a gluten-free meal? Just ensure there is no cross-contamination with gluten. You can also make these peppers vegan. Use dairy-free cheese to replace regular cheese. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal! How do you refrigerate stuffed peppers? To refrigerate stuffed peppers, let them cool first. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This keeps the peppers fresh. What are best practices for freezing? To freeze stuffed peppers, wrap each one in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them tasty. What is the oven method for optimal texture? For the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. What about the microwave method for quick reheating? For the microwave method, place a stuffed pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for about 2-3 minutes. Check if it's warm enough, and repeat if needed. How long can you store them in the fridge? You can store stuffed peppers in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the quality may decline. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. What are signs of spoilage to look out for? Signs of spoilage include a sour smell, mold, or a slimy texture. If you see any of these, it's best to throw them away. Keeping food safe is very important! No, do not use raw chicken. Cooked chicken is key for flavor. Raw chicken takes longer to cook. It can also lead to food safety issues. Always start with pre-cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for this dish. These stuffed peppers pair well with many sides. Try a simple green salad for freshness. Cornbread adds a nice touch of sweetness. For something hearty, serve with rice. You can also add a side of tortilla chips and salsa for crunch. Bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F for about 35-40 minutes. Cover them for the first 25 minutes. Remove the foil to let the cheese brown. The peppers should become tender and the cheese bubbly. Yes, you can prepare them ahead. Stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge. Cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Bake them when you're ready to eat. They can stay in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You learned how to make Ranch Chicken Stuffed Peppers with ease. We covered the ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. I also shared ideas for swapping ingredients, storing leftovers, and reheating. These stuffed peppers are tasty and flexible. You can customize them to fit your needs. I hope you feel inspired to try this delicious recipe. Enjoy every bite!

Ranch Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Delicious bell peppers stuffed with a creamy ranch chicken mixture, topped with melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color of your choice)
  • 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup corn kernels (can be fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot when you're ready to bake.
  • Rinse the bell peppers thoroughly. Carefully slice off the tops of each pepper and use a spoon to remove the seeds and membranes inside. Arrange the hollowed-out peppers standing upright in a baking dish to hold their shape during cooking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, ranch dressing, corn, black beans, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir the mixture together until all ingredients are fully combined and evenly coated.
  • Using a spoon, generously fill each bell pepper with the ranch chicken mixture, pressing it down gently to pack it in well and ensure it fills the pepper completely.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper, allowing it to melt beautifully while baking.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. After this time, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers become tender and the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbly.
  • Once cooked, take the peppers out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving, as they will be very hot.
  • If you like, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor before serving.

Notes

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a large platter and drizzle with additional ranch dressing for a tasty finishing touch.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner, ranch, stuffed peppers