Imagine carving out bright orange bell peppers with little jack-o’-lantern faces, then filling them with tender, savory shredded chicken, warm rice, beans, and melted cheddar. These Halloween-style Stuffed Peppers bring festive fun right to the dinner table—perfect for family time when you want something cozy, hands-on, and magically easy. With everyday pantry ingredients and the slow cooker doing most of the work, it’s a playful, comforting meal that doubles as Halloween decor.
| Category | Dinner – Halloween-themed Stuffed Peppers |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 4–8 hours (slow cooker) + 30 minutes baking |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | ~400 kcal per serving (estimate) |
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 orange bell peppers (choose round, evenly shaped ones)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots), thawed
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the peppers – Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and carve fun jack-o’-lantern faces with a small knife.
- Make the filling – In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, cheddar cheese, vegetables, tomato sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the peppers – Fill each pepper with the mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Bake – Place peppers upright in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender.
- Serve – Remove from oven and serve warm, showing off those spooky carved faces.
Helpful Notes & Tips
- Face carving tip – Use a small paring knife and work slowly to avoid breaking the pepper skin.
- Make ahead – Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge until ready to stuff and bake.
- Cheese variations – Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Recipe Variations
- Mexican Style – Add black beans, taco seasoning, and top with salsa before serving.
- BBQ Chicken Peppers – Swap tomato sauce for BBQ sauce and use smoked gouda cheese.
- Low-Carb Option – Replace rice with riced cauliflower for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy filling.
- Pair with roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty fall dinner.
- Make them the centerpiece of a Halloween buffet with other themed snacks.
Conclusion
These Halloween-Style Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers are the perfect way to combine festive fun with a satisfying, family-friendly meal. They’re colorful, flavorful, and just spooky enough to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you make them for a holiday party, a cozy autumn dinner, or simply to surprise your kids, they’re sure to be a hit at your table.