These Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers are the kind of meal I turn to when I want something colorful, comforting, and just a little bit unexpected. They combine the sweet-and-savory flavors of teriyaki-glazed chicken and juicy pineapple with hearty rice, all tucked into roasted bell peppers and topped with melted cheese. It’s a balanced, satisfying dish that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Balanced Flavor: I love the way the sweetness of pineapple blends with the umami of teriyaki and the savory depth of chicken and rice.
- Complete Meal: It’s got protein, carbs, and veggies—all in one delicious package.
- Meal Prep Friendly: I can make them in advance and reheat throughout the week with no loss of flavor or texture.
- Great for Guests: These stuffed peppers look gorgeous and taste even better—perfect for dinner parties or weeknight dinners that feel a little fancy.
- Customizable: I can swap ingredients or sauces based on what I have on hand and still end up with a delicious result.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
bell peppers – 4 large, halved and seeds removed
olive oil – 1 tablespoon
cooked chicken breast – 1 pound, shredded or diced
cooked rice – 2 cups
pineapple tidbits – 1 cup, canned and drained
teriyaki sauce – ½ cup
garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
onion powder – ½ teaspoon
black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
shredded mozzarella or cheese blend – 1 cup
green onions – 2, sliced (optional garnish)
sesame seeds – optional, for garnish
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- I arrange the halved bell peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. After drizzling them with olive oil, I roast them for about 10 minutes to soften slightly.
- While the peppers bake, I mix the chicken, rice, pineapple, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl until everything is well coated and evenly combined.
- I remove the peppers from the oven and fill each half generously with the chicken and rice mixture, pressing it in slightly to hold its shape.
- I sprinkle the stuffed peppers with shredded cheese and return the dish to the oven.
- I bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
- I let them cool slightly before garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds. Then I serve them warm.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 8 pepper halves (serves 4 as a full meal)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Different Cheese: I’ve used pepper jack or even smoked gouda for a twist on the classic mozzarella topping.
- Swap the Grain: Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work well.
- Vegetarian Version: I substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu and use a vegetarian teriyaki sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: I wrap the stuffed peppers individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: I reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave them in 60-second intervals until hot.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, I often use shredded rotisserie chicken when I need to save time. It’s flavorful and works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. I assemble everything, cover the dish, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, I add 5–10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
What kind of teriyaki sauce works best?
I usually use a thick, glaze-style teriyaki sauce for maximum flavor and richness. If I’m using a thinner version, I reduce it slightly on the stove before adding it to the filling.
Do I need to cook the bell peppers first?
I like pre-baking them for 10 minutes so they’re tender but still hold their shape after baking. It’s optional but makes a big difference in texture.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Yes, fresh pineapple adds great flavor. I just make sure to cut it small and pat it dry to avoid adding extra moisture to the filling.
Conclusion
These Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers have everything I want in a weekday dinner: flavor, texture, nutrition, and a little bit of flair. They’re easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always a hit whether I’m serving them to family or meal-prepping for myself. The sweet-savory combination is addictive—and once I try them, I find myself coming back to this recipe again and again.
PrintTeriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers
Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken Rice Stuffed Peppers are a vibrant and satisfying dish made with roasted bell peppers filled with a sweet and savory mix of teriyaki-glazed chicken, rice, and pineapple, topped with melted cheese and garnished with green onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 stuffed pepper halves (serves 4)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup pineapple tidbits, canned and drained
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheese blend
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange halved bell peppers cut-side up in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, pineapple, teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until combined.
- Remove peppers from the oven and fill each with the chicken-rice mixture, pressing gently.
- Top with shredded cheese and return to the oven.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Let cool slightly before garnishing with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add sriracha or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for flavor variation.
- Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice instead of white rice.
- Make it vegetarian with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and vegetarian teriyaki sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pepper halves
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg