Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground chicken
  • 1 cup (150g) cooked quinoa or rice
  • 1 cup (150g) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) diced onion
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 medium-sized bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup (100g) shredded low-fat cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Lightly brush the outsides with olive oil.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
  4. Add ground chicken; cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  5. Stir in diced tomatoes, quinoa or rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through (about 5 minutes).
  6. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each bell pepper.
  7. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  8. Top each filled pepper with shredded cheese.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  11. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, garnish with herbs if desired, and serve.