Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and colorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends? Look no further than these Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers! This recipe combines the sweetness of pineapple with the savory flavor of teriyaki chicken, all enveloped within vibrant bell peppers. Not only is it a feast for the eyes, but it’s also a wholesome meal packed with protein, flavor, and nutrients. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
To make these flavorful stuffed peppers, you will need:
– 4 large bell peppers, halved and deseeded (feel free to use a mix of colors such as red, yellow, and green for a vibrant presentation)
– 1 lb ground chicken (this is a lean protein that provides a great texture to the dish)
– 1 cup cooked rice (white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa can be used for added nutrition)
– 1 cup diced pineapple (fresh or canned; the sweetness will balance the savory elements perfectly)
– ½ cup teriyaki sauce (this will add a rich umami flavor)
– 2 garlic cloves , minced (for a fragrant and aromatic kick)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger (to enhance the dish’s depth with a slight zest)
– ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for a little heat)
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for a gooey, melty topping)
For Garnish:
– Chopped green onions (adds fresh flavor and a pop of color)
– Sesame seeds (for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. This temperature is ideal for baking the peppers to ensure they cook through while keeping their vibrant color. Greasing the baking dish will prevent the stuffed peppers from sticking and will make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the **ground chicken**. Cook it until it is browned and no longer pink, which should take about **5 to 7 minutes**. Be sure to break up the chicken into smaller pieces as it cooks for even browning.
Next, add the **minced garlic** and **grated ginger** along with the **salt** and **black pepper**. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional **2 minutes**. This will allow the garlic and ginger to infuse their flavors into the chicken, making the filling aromatic and delicious.
Step 3: Mix in the Remaining
Ingredients
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the **teriyaki sauce**, **diced pineapple**, and **cooked rice**. Allow the mixture to simmer for about **3 minutes**, stirring occasionally. This step is crucial to ensure that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Bell Peppers
While the chicken mixture is simmering, prepare your bell peppers. Halve them and remove the seeds and membranes. You can choose to lightly salt the insides of the peppers to enhance their flavor.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Carefully stuff each bell pepper half with the chicken and rice mixture. Don’t be shy about packing it in—these peppers can hold a generous amount of filling! Place the stuffed peppers upright in the greased baking dish.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the **shredded mozzarella cheese** generously on top of each stuffed pepper. This will become bubbly and golden as it bakes.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to allow the peppers to steam and cook through, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for **25 minutes**. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional **5 minutes** to let the cheese melt and bubble beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once the peppers are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Before serving, garnish with **chopped green onions** and a sprinkle of **sesame seeds** for that extra flair.
Enjoy Your Meal!
These Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also visually stunning. They make for a perfect weeknight dinner or even a festive occasion. With a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness, this meal is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds—or even thirds!
Enjoy the burst of flavors and the satisfaction that comes with a homemade dish. Happy cooking!
