Spooky & Delicious Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers (Halloween Style)

If you’re planning a fun and festive dinner this spooky season, these Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers (Halloween Style) are an absolute must-make. Shaped like mini jack-o’-lanterns and filled with a warm, savory mix of chicken, rice, and cheese, they’re the perfect Halloween dinner idea that’s both festive and filling.

Whether you’re serving a Halloween food dinner for the family, creating a themed Pinterest Halloween food board, or assembling a spooky Halloween meat and cheese board, these pumpkin-shaped stuffed peppers make a boo-tiful addition to your menu.

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Why These Halloween Stuffed Peppers Are Perfect for Spooky Season

These jack-o’-lantern style bell peppers aren’t just cute—they’re practical. They provide a balanced meal with protein, grains, and veggies all in one. Plus, they’re:

• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Easy to prep ahead for a stress-free Halloween night
• Customizable to fit various diets and flavors
• A fun alternative to sugary Halloween snacks

If you’re hosting a themed party, these stuffed peppers go great alongside a Halloween cheese and cracker platter or even a pumpkin-shaped vegetable platter for extra wow factor.

Ingredients for Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers

You’ll need just a few basic ingredients to bring this Halloween recipe to life:

• 4 large orange bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or even Spanish rice)
• 1/2 cup salsa (mild or spicy depending on your taste)
• 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray or drizzle

Optional for topping: Extra cheese, cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños.

This recipe pairs well with themed treats like Halloween Oreo Bark or a side of Air Fryer Chicken Sausage and Veggies for a balanced Halloween dinner spread.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe

To prepare and serve your Halloween stuffed peppers, you’ll need:

• Sharp knife
• Spoon (for scooping out pepper seeds)
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Oven or air fryer

Optional: Small paring knife for carving jack-o’-lantern faces into the peppers.

How to Make Halloween-Themed Stuffed Peppers Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

Slice off the tops of the orange bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside (you’ll use them as lids). If you want the full Halloween effect, use a paring knife to carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into the side of each pepper.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cooked rice, salsa, cheese, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Fill and Bake

Stuff each hollowed-out bell pepper with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing it down gently to fit as much as possible. Place the filled peppers upright in a baking dish. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil. Replace the tops like little lids.

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes to slightly brown the tops.

Step 4: Serve and Decorate

Serve hot with Halloween-themed sides like a Halloween snack board, and don’t forget spooky garnishes like olive “spiders” or avocado “slime” dip!

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Tips for Making the Best Stuffed Peppers with Rice and Chicken

• Use precooked ingredients like leftover rotisserie chicken and instant rice for a faster prep.
• Slice a thin layer off the bottom of each pepper to help them stand upright.
• If you like extra spice, add diced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to the filling.
• Cover during baking to keep the peppers moist, then uncover to crisp the tops.

This recipe is as fun as it is flavorful—just like a Halloween twist on Stuffed Bell Peppers with Roasted Veggies.

Creative Halloween Presentation Ideas for Dinner Parties

Turn your spooky peppers into the stars of your Halloween table:

• Plate on a bed of black rice or dark tortilla chips for contrast
• Decorate with candy eyes or sour cream “cobwebs”
• Serve in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, cauldron-like effect
• Arrange on a tray with dry ice mist (safely handled, of course!)

Want more festive inspiration? These peppers go well with a Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Breakfast turned dessert bar or a Peach Sorbet for a refreshing ending.

How to Serve These Peppers on a Halloween Snack Board or Dinner Table

Use these stuffed peppers as the centerpiece of your Halloween spread:

• Place them on a large platter surrounded by themed snacks
• Add a Halloween cheese and cracker platter with bat- or pumpkin-shaped cheeses
• Include bowls of dips like guacamole (green slime), black bean dip, or ghost-shaped chips
• Pair with simple sides like Cucumber Dill Salad or Healthy Smashed Carrots

This fun dinner display idea is perfect for guests of all ages.

Fun Pairings: Halloween Cheese and Cracker Platters & More

Serve these peppers alongside:

• A Halloween meat and cheese board with spooky-shaped cheeses and cured meats
• A pumpkin-shaped vegetable platter featuring orange peppers, baby carrots, and cucumbers
• Simple desserts like Pumpkin Pie Balls or Halloween-themed Frozen Banana Snickers
• Festive drinks like Lavender Lemonade

Whether you’re preparing a Pinterest Halloween food board or just need a fun dinner idea, these combinations are a hit.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Stuffed Peppers

These shredded chicken and rice stuffed peppers are great for prepping in advance:

• Make ahead: Assemble the peppers (uncooked) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
• Freeze: Wrap cooled peppers individually and freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Bake from refrigerated at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual servings

Leftovers also make a perfect next-day lunch, just like our Protein-Packed Egg Bake.

Healthy Halloween Food Ideas for Kids and Adults

These stuffed peppers offer a fun way to keep Halloween meals nutritious:

• Low sugar, high protein, and rich in fiber
• Easy to make dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a plant-based version
• Can be made vegetarian or vegan (see below)
• Great alternative to candy-heavy meals for kids

Serve with a Pumpkin Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip for extra protein on the table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Stuffed Peppers

1. Overcooking the peppers – they’ll collapse and lose their shape
2. Under-seasoning the filling – always taste before stuffing
3. Overfilling the peppers – can make baking uneven
4. Using the wrong size peppers – medium-large work best for stuffing

Avoiding these simple mistakes ensures your peppers come out picture-perfect every time.

Tasty Variations: Vegetarian, Tex-Mex, and More

Want to change things up? Try these tasty versions:

• Vegetarian: Swap chicken for black beans, corn, and quinoa
• Tex-Mex: Use taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and add jalapeños
• Italian: Replace salsa with marinara, and use mozzarella and Italian herbs
• Breakfast peppers: Fill with scrambled eggs, sausage, and hash browns for a morning version

These make great additions to your Brunch Board or themed dinner menus.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the peppers and refrigerate them uncooked for up to a day in advance.

Are these peppers spicy?
Not unless you use spicy salsa or cheese. Keep it mild for kids or guests with low heat tolerance.

Can I use green or red bell peppers?
Absolutely! Orange just adds that perfect pumpkin vibe for Halloween.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
Use a stand mixer or two forks to shred rotisserie chicken in minutes.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Let the peppers cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts on Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers for Halloween

These Shredded Chicken & Rice Stuffed Peppers (Halloween Style) are the ultimate Halloween dinner recipe—wholesome, creative, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect for festive dinners, parties, or themed family nights, and they make a fun addition to any Halloween food dinner plan.

If you’re looking for Halloween recipes that are tasty AND healthy, this one’s a clear winner. For even more spooky inspiration, pair them with a Halloween meat and cheese board or some sweet treats like Pumpkin Crunch Dessert.

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