Crispy, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and melty cheese come together in this epic, flavor-packed Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers recipe. Loaded with all your favorite flavors, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion – from cozy weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. With chef-tested steps for reliable results, let’s dive in and discover the comforting, craveable story behind this delicious creation.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers
Imagine biting into a sweet, roasted bell pepper bursting with a creamy, cheesy filling of tender chicken, salty bacon, and tangy ranch. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Plus, these stuffed peppers are not only indulgent and satisfying but also hearty and nourishing, making them the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. With their vibrant colors and impressive presentation, they’re sure to wow your guests and leave them feeling warm, satisfied, and eager for more.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for this Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers recipe include juicy chicken breasts, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh bell peppers. These simple, high-quality components come together to create a truly craveable dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy
- 1/2 cup – Ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 – Bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds/membranes removed
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Roasted mushrooms or crumbled tofu (for a vegetarian version)
- Cheese: Pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses (to suit your preference)
How to Make Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers
Begin by preheating your oven and preparing the bell peppers. Slice them in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes, and arrange them in a baking dish. Next, cook the bacon until crispy, then set it aside to cool and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set it aside to cool before chopping it into small pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In the same skillet, sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then combine it with the chopped bacon, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Spoon the creamy, cheesy chicken and bacon mixture into the bell pepper halves, making sure to fill them evenly. Bake the stuffed peppers for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
As a final touch, you can sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with additional shredded cheese or fresh herbs for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for a zestier flavor.
- Switch up the cheese: Try a combination of cheddar and parmesan, or use pepper jack or mozzarella instead.
- Make it heartier: Add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling for an even more substantial dish.
- Festive touch: Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers with crispy fried onions or crushed crackers.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat the stuffed peppers in the oven or microwave before serving.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the filling in advance and stuff the peppers up to a day before baking.
Nutrition Information
These Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also surprisingly nutritious. Each serving provides a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals from the bell peppers and chicken. With the addition of creamy ranch and melted cheese, this dish offers a satisfying, balanced meal that’s sure to leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and stuff the peppers up to a day before baking. Simply store the filled peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey will work just as well in this recipe. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavors will still be delicious.
How can I make these stuffed peppers spicier?
To add a kick of heat, try mixing in a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses, to find your perfect flavor combination.
Are these stuffed peppers freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can easily freeze these Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers. Assemble the dish, but don’t bake it. Instead, wrap the unbaked stuffed peppers tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen peppers directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Try These Next
- crispy air fryer chicken bacon ranch bites
- crispy chicken bacon ranch bake
- cheesy chicken bacon ranch casserole
Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crispy Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and satisfying dish, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing, all stuffed in sweet bell peppers. Perfect for a hearty meal!
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded
6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup (240ml) ranch dressing
1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Fill each bell pepper with the chicken mixture.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
These stuffed peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.
Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like diced tomatoes or jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: stuffed peppers, chicken, bacon, ranch, easy dinner