Sweet, smoky, cheesy, and easy to grab at a cookout.
LABOR DAY COOKOUT FAVORITE
Ingredients
- 12 mini sweet peppers
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, preferably lower in added sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Slice the mini peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Place the pepper halves cut-side up on a baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onion, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each pepper half.
- Sprinkle a little cheese over the top.
- Bake for about 12–15 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Top with sliced green onions and cilantro, if desired.
- Serve warm.
Make Them Cookout-Ready
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. Stuff and bake the peppers shortly before serving, or reheat them at the cookout.
Why We Like Them
The mini peppers give you that sweet crunch without using bread or a tortilla, while the chicken adds protein and makes them filling. Using a BBQ sauce with less added sugar can also help keep the recipe lighter while still giving you that classic cookout flavor.
Healthy Bites Tip: BBQ sauce can vary quite a bit in added sugar, so compare labels and choose one that works best for you.