Spooky Stuffed Peppers: Festive Halloween Delight

If you're looking for a spooky meal that’s delicious, easy to make, and perfect for Halloween, you've come to the right haunted house! These Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers are a festive twist on a classic favorite. Picture this: bell peppers carved like mini jack-o-lanterns, stuffed to the brim with seasoned shredded chicken, cheesy Mexican rice, and black beans. Oh, and did I mention they're baked to perfection? These peppers are so good, you'll want to eat them year-round—but they’re especially fun on Halloween!

Photo bySam Miller

Key Takeaways

• Super Simple: Let the slow cooker do most of the work for you with this easy, hands-off recipe.
• Festive Fun: Carve your bell peppers like jack-o-lanterns for an extra spooky touch.
• Kid-Friendly: Even the little goblins in your family will love this!
• Versatile: You can make it ahead, swap ingredients, or skip the jack-o-lantern carving if you’re in a rush.

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (orange for that jack-o-lantern vibe)
• 2 cups Mexican rice (use your favorite recipe or boxed)
• 1 shredded chicken breast (from the slow cooker)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, no judgment!)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

Directions

Step 1: Let the Slow Cooker Do Its Magic

• Add the chicken breasts to your slow cooker.
• Sprinkle the cumin, garlic salt, chili powder, and black pepper over the chicken.
• Dump the diced tomatoes with green chilies on top. No need to stir, just let those flavors mingle.
• Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours (or if you're in a rush, high for 4-6 hours). Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, shred it using two forks and let it soak up all those delicious juices.

Step 2: Prep Those Peppers

• While the chicken is doing its thing, grab your bell peppers. Slice off the tops (keep them for later!) and scoop out the seeds and membranes.
• For extra Halloween vibes, carve some spooky faces into the peppers. (This is where you can let your creativity go wild!)
• Bring a large pot of water to boil. Toss the hollowed-out peppers (and the tops) in the water for 5 minutes to soften them up a bit. Then, let them cool.

Step 3: Get Stuffed

• In a large bowl, mix together the cooked Mexican rice, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and black beans.
• Stuff each pepper with the filling. Don’t be shy—pack 'em full! Top with extra cheese if you're feeling indulgent (you are).
• Place the tops back on the peppers for that jack-o-lantern effect.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place your stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Photo bySam Miller

Make Ahead Tip:

Want to get ahead of the game? Assemble the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge (wrapped in plastic) for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, just pop them in the oven at 350°F for 1 hour instead of 30 minutes.

Side Dish Ideas

• Guacamole: Add some avocado magic to the mix. Creamy and refreshing, it’s the perfect pairing for these savory peppers.
• Quesadillas: Serve cheesy quesadillas on the side for an extra hit of comfort food.
• Chips and Salsa: Keep it simple with crunchy tortilla chips and your favorite salsa.
• Mexican Street Corn: Sweet, spicy, and cheesy grilled corn on the cob will take this meal to the next level.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 6g

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (especially if you're carving out those spooky faces)
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours in the slow cooker (for the chicken) + 30 minutes in the oven
• Total Time: Approximately 7 hours (don’t worry, most of that time is hands-off!)

Photo bySam Miller

Conclusion

These Shredded Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate Halloween treat (no tricks here). The slow cooker makes meal prep a breeze, and the jack-o-lantern peppers are sure to impress at any spooky gathering. Plus, they’re as delicious as they are fun to make. Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking to start a new Halloween tradition, these stuffed peppers are a must-try.

So, grab your slow cooker, get carving, and prepare to enjoy a meal that's equal parts spooky and scrumptious!