Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a flavor-packed fiesta with these Mexican Stuffed Peppers! These vibrant bell peppers are more than just colorful; they're a wholesome explosion of Mexican-spiced chicken, cheese, and rice that'll leave your taste buds doing the salsa.
Let's Get This Fiesta Started:
1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 375 degrees F. Grab that trusty 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat of nonstick spray, because we're about to create a masterpiece.
2. Slice those bell peppers in half, creating colorful vessels for our flavorful filling. Remove the seeds and membranes, then arrange them cut side up in your prepared baking dish. They're ready to be stuffed with flavor!
3. Heat up the olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, along with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this aromatic medley cook, breaking apart the meat, until the chicken becomes beautifully browned and perfectly cooked through, about 4 minutes. Any excess liquid? Say goodbye and drain it off.
4. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, complete with their juicy goodness, and let it all simmer together for a minute. Now, remove the pan from the heat, and it's time to work your magic. Stir in the cooked rice (whether it's brown, quinoa, or cauliflower), and let these ingredients mingle. Add ¾ cup of that glorious shredded cheese into the mix too, because who can resist cheese?
5. Mound this flavorful filling inside those waiting bell peppers, and don't be shy with it. Top it all off with the remaining cheese, because we're going all-in on the cheesiness.
6. Now, to add a little magic to the oven, pour a touch of water into the pan, just enough to barely cover the bottom. Bake these beauties, uncovered, for 25 to 35 minutes. How do you know they're ready? When the peppers are tender, and the cheese is gloriously melted and golden.
7. Time to get creative! Top your Mexican Stuffed Peppers with all your favorite fixings. Salsa, sour cream, guacamole—the choice is yours. Enjoy these hot and savor every delicious bite of this flavorful fiesta!
Viva la fiesta, amigos! 🎉