Grilled BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bell peppers filled with a smoky BBQ chicken mixture and grilled until tender and lightly charred, perfect for a flavorful summer meal. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs large bell peppers, chicken breasts, BBQ sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture evenly over 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz). Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken with two forks.
  4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce.
  5. Step 5: Stuff 4 halved and seeded large bell peppers evenly with the BBQ chicken mixture. Top each stuffed pepper half with about 2 tbsp shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Step 6: Place the stuffed peppers cut-side up on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes with the lid closed until the peppers are tender and cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  7. Step 7: Remove from grill and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large bell peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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