Spicy BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Sweet bell peppers stuffed with smoky, spicy BBQ chicken and melted cheese, baked to bubbly perfection for an easy high-protein meal. This American-inspired chicken recipe (high protein), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs large bell peppers, cooked chicken breast, shredded, barbecue sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (any color) large bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (optional) fresh cilantro, chopped
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice the tops off 4 large bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes to create hollow cups.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced small onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: In a bowl, mix 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce, sautéed onions and garlic, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined.
- Step 4: Stuff each bell pepper with the BBQ chicken mixture, then top each with 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 5: Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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.
Is Spicy BBQ Chicken-Stuffed Bell Peppers high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
