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Looking for a fresh spin on stuffed peppers? These ground chicken quinoa stuffed peppers are a tasty twist on the classic recipe we all grew up with. Instead of rice and beef, we’re using protein-packed quinoa and lean ground chicken to create a lighter, but still filling meal. They’re perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or when you want something that feels both healthy and satisfying. Trust me – once you try these, they’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground chicken or turkey can be replaced with plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. These products often have similar protein content and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of ground poultry. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
Quinoa can be substituted with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. Simply pulse raw cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. This swap reduces carbohydrates while adding extra vegetables to the dish. Use 2/3 cup cauliflower rice to replace the cooked quinoa.
Red enchilada sauce can be replaced with salsa or tomato sauce if unavailable. For a milder flavor, use tomato sauce and add extra chili powder and cumin to taste. For a spicier option, choose a medium or hot salsa. Use the same amount as the original recipe calls for, adjusting seasoning as needed to achieve the desired flavor profile.
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Total Time | 65-85 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1200-1400
- Protein: 90-100 g
- Fat: 60-70 g
- Carbohydrates: 80-90 g
Ingredients
- For the quinoa:
- 1/3 cup dry quinoa
- 3/4 cup water
- For the stuffed peppers:
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey (93% lean)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 white or yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce, split
- 4 red bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 1 cup shredded mexican blend or cheddar cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
While the oven is heating, spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the stuffed peppers from sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium pot, combine 1/3 cup quinoa and 3/4 cup water.
Place the pot over high heat.
Once the water reaches a boil, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the quinoa cook for exactly 15 minutes.
After the cooking time is up, fluff the quinoa with a fork and transfer it to a bowl.
Place the bowl in the fridge to cool the quinoa slightly before using it in the stuffing.
Step 3: Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
While the quinoa is cooling, take a large bowl and combine ground chicken, egg, cilantro, onion, diced jalapeno, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly.
Once combined, gently fold in the cooled quinoa, even if it’s still slightly warm.
Step 4: Stuff the Bell Peppers and Initial Baking
Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds.
Stuff each pepper half with the chicken and quinoa mixture.
Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking pan and top each half with 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce.
Bake the stuffed peppers uncovered in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Final Baking
After 40 minutes, remove the baking pan from the oven and sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of cheese on top of each bell pepper.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese has melted, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven.
Serve each person two pepper halves.
Garnish with extra enchilada sauce, fresh cilantro, slices of avocado, and jalapeno slices if desired.
Enjoy a flavorful and filling meal!
