Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and full of flavor? Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers might just be your new go-to recipe. This dish combines the comfort of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and the tangy, creamy goodness of ranch dressing, all nestled in tender bell peppers. The result is a mouthwatering meal that’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. Bell peppers are a great source of vitamins A and C, while the chicken provides lean protein. Bacon adds a savory crunch, and the ranch brings everything together with its signature zesty flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, these stuffed peppers are sure to please. Plus, they’re easy to make and customizable—swap out ingredients to suit your taste or use up what you have in the fridge. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and get cooking!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, cooked rice, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared bell peppers, packing it down gently.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired.
How to Prepare
Start by prepping your ingredients—cook the chicken and bacon, and make sure your rice is cooked and ready. The key to perfectly stuffed peppers is to use large, firm bell peppers that can hold a generous amount of filling. After you’ve hollowed out the peppers, mix all the filling ingredients in a large bowl. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. Once the peppers are stuffed, baking them covered helps the peppers soften while keeping the filling moist. Finishing them uncovered allows the cheese to get nice and melty. The end result is a comforting dish with a great balance of textures and flavors.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4 stuffed peppers
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.
2. What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
If you’re not a fan of ranch, you can substitute it with Caesar dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a creamy garlic sauce.
3. Are there any low-carb options for this recipe?
To make this recipe low-carb, you can replace the rice with cauliflower rice or omit it altogether.
4. Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
Yes, stuffed peppers freeze well. Allow them to cool completely after baking, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
5. What side dishes go well with Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers?
These stuffed peppers pair well with a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread.
Conclusion
Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers are a delightful combination of savory and satisfying flavors. This recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a breeze to make, with ingredients that are often on hand. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or planning a meal for a special occasion, these stuffed peppers deliver. The versatility of this dish allows you to customize it to your liking, making it a family favorite that you’ll come back to time and time again. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or rice, minimizing waste in the kitchen. Serve these stuffed peppers with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s both nourishing and incredibly delicious. Happy cooking!
PrintChicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 stuffed peppers 1x
Description
These Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch dressing come together with tender bell peppers for a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. It’s a family-friendly recipe that can be customized to your liking and is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes inside.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, cooked rice, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into the prepared bell peppers, packing it down gently.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve. Garnish with extra chopped green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- For a low-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add extra veggies to the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Chicken, Bacon, Ranch, Stuffed Peppers, Dinner, Easy Recipe