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Slow Cooker Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken and Cheese

These stuffed bell peppers are filled with tender, shredded chicken mixed with melted cheese, baked slowly in the crockpot until soft and juicy. The peppers retain a slight crunch while the filling becomes moist and flavorful, creating a comforting, handheld dish with a gooey, cheesy top.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bell peppers choose firm, upright peppers
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicier meat
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack, mozzarella
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce jarred marinara or salsa
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked optional
  • 0.5 cup broth or water for moisture

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Begin by searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden; then, transfer to a slow cooker.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes. Pour in tomato sauce, cumin, paprika, and broth, stirring to combine.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  4. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the sauce in the slow cooker, mixing well.
  5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and scooping out the seeds and membranes carefully over the sink.
  6. Stuff each pepper generously with the shredded chicken mixture, then top with shredded cheese so it melts into the filling.
  7. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker, optionally cover with foil, and cook on high for another 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  8. Remove the peppers carefully from the slow cooker, letting any excess sauce drip off, and serve hot with a side salad or your favorite sides.