When October rolls in, our kitchen gets a little more playful, and a whole lot more flavorful. These Halloween stuffed peppers with shredded chicken & rice are the perfect mix of fun and comfort food. Picture bright orange peppers carved like mini jack-o’-lanterns, brimming with savory shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and a blend of spices that’ll make the whole house smell like a cozy fall evening. This recipe delivers both presentation and taste, making it ideal for spooky gatherings, family dinners, or even a casual weeknight in. If you love themed dishes that also fill you up, this one’s going to be your new seasonal favorite.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

Halloween recipes sometimes lean too much toward novelty, but these Halloween stuffed peppers with shredded chicken & rice check both boxes; fun and genuinely delicious. You’ll love how the sweet bell peppers roast to tender perfection while holding a hearty, protein-packed filling. The shredded chicken keeps things juicy, while the rice and spices soak up all the savory flavors in each bite.

They’re easy to customize, too. You can add extra vegetables, try a different grain, or even go spicy if your crowd craves heat. The carved jack-o’-lantern faces make these an instant conversation starter at parties, much like the excitement you get serving a festive dish such as Pumpkin French Toast Casserole at brunch.

Plus, this recipe is perfect for meal prep; you can make the filling in advance and simply assemble and bake before serving. If you’ve enjoyed hearty dinners like our Chicken Taco Casserole Recipe, you already know how satisfying and crowd-pleasing a warm, baked chicken dish can be.

And honestly? Watching your family’s faces light up when they see these grinning pepper “pumpkins” might be the best part of the night. It’s comfort food dressed up for the season, and it might just become a tradition you look forward to year after year.

Ingredients

One of the best things about Halloween stuffed peppers with shredded chicken & rice is how simple the shopping list is. You probably have half of these items in your pantry already. The trick (or treat) is balancing the fun presentation with ingredients that taste great together. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bell peppers – Go for bright orange for the jack-o’-lantern look, though red or yellow work if you’re going for a colorful mix.
Cooked shredded chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, saving you time while keeping things tender and flavorful.
Cooked rice – White, brown, or even wild rice; just make sure it’s fluffy and cooled before mixing.
Onion and garlic – For that deep, savory base flavor.
Tomato sauce – Adds moisture and binds the filling together.
Cheese – A melty variety like cheddar or mozzarella makes the filling creamy and comforting.
Seasonings – Paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and any dried herbs you love.
Olive oil – To brush on the peppers before baking for that slight roasted shine.

If you want to make this part of a full Halloween dinner spread, serve alongside themed dishes like Cheeseburger Skulls, they make the table look festive and keep the mood fun. And for those who love rich, savory bakes, you’ll find the cozy satisfaction here similar to classics like Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Stuffed Chicken.

Don’t forget, the jack-o’-lantern carving is where you get to play with personality; grins, scowls, even a spooky wink. The better the carving, the more your guests will smile before digging in.

How to Make It

Making Halloween stuffed peppers with shredded chicken & rice is more about assembly and creativity than complicated cooking. Here’s the step-by-step:

Prepare the peppers – Slice off the tops and remove seeds and membranes. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully carve jack-o’-lantern faces into each pepper. Keep designs simple so they hold their shape while baking.
Make the filling – In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Stir in cooked shredded chicken, rice, tomato sauce, cheese, and seasonings. Mix until the cheese begins to melt and everything is evenly combined.
Stuff the peppers – Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it down gently but not so tightly that the pepper splits.
Bake – Place peppers upright in a lightly greased baking dish, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, and cover loosely with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes, removing foil for the last 10 minutes so the tops brown slightly.
Serve hot – Arrange on a platter for maximum jack-o’-lantern impact.

For a complete Halloween dinner spread, you can pair these with themed sides or desserts; Marshmallow Rice Bubbles Halloween Brains make a spooky-sweet finish after a savory main.

Pro tip: If you’re prepping for a party, you can carve and stuff the peppers earlier in the day, refrigerate them, and bake just before guests arrive. That way, the kitchen smells amazing right when the fun starts.

Tips and Variations
One of the joys of making Halloween stuffed peppers with shredded chicken & rice is how easily you can tailor them to your taste—or the crowd you’re feeding. Here are some ideas to make this recipe your own:

Switch the grain – Instead of rice, try quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Add more veggies – Corn, black beans, zucchini, or spinach can bulk up the filling and add color.
Spice it up – A pinch of chili powder or diced jalapeños will give your peppers a little kick.
Go meat-free – Skip the chicken and use a plant-based protein or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Cheese variety – Pepper jack adds heat, while smoked gouda brings a deeper flavor.

When it comes to presentation, you can carve each pepper with a unique expression; one grinning, one scowling, maybe even one “winking” for laughs. For serving at parties, keep them warm in the oven on low or in a slow cooker insert to avoid reheating later. And if you’re pairing them with other Halloween-themed dishes, stagger the serving times so each gets its moment in the spotlight.

Final Note

These Halloween stuffed peppers with shredded chicken & rice aren’t just dinner, they’re a seasonal showpiece that brings smiles before the first bite. With tender roasted peppers, savory chicken, and fluffy rice all wrapped up in a jack-o’-lantern grin, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a spooky gathering, cooking a family-friendly October meal, or simply looking for a creative way to use up leftover chicken, this recipe delivers on flavor and festive charm. Serve them alongside other themed drinks like these Halloween Eyeball Jello Shots, light a few candles, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a cozy, slightly spooky night in.

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Halloween Stuffed Peppers with Shredded Chicken & Rice

Why You Will Love This Recipe