Southwestern Chicken Stuffed Peppers

 Southwestern Chicken Stuffed Peppers

adapted from Penzeys Catalogue

Stuffed peppers are frequently made with ground beef and white rice. This version cuts down on the fat and calories by using ground chicken breast and cauliflower rice.

If you prefer a less saucy stuffed pepper, reduce or eliminate the sauce.

Makes 3 servings                                                      0 WW Blue points / serving

3 bell peppers

1/4 lb. ground chicken breast

1/2 tsp. Penzeys Northwoods seasoning or your favorite poultry seasoning 

1/2 cup black beans, rinsed & drained

1/4 cup salsa

1/2 cup corn, canned or frozen, defroster

1/4 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes, divided

1/4 cup cauliflower rice

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp Arbol chili powder or your favorite hotter chili powder

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

Kosher salt & Freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. dried minced onions

1/2 tsp. sugar substitute

3/4 tsp. dried basil

1 Tbsp. cake flour or all-purpose flour

3 Tbsp. water

1. Slice the tops off the peppers and chop. Set aside.
2. Remove the seeds and ribs from the peppers, leaving the peppers whole and set aside.
3. In a skillet coated with cooking spray, cook the chopped peppers, onion and garlic until tender crisp, about 5 minutes; transfer to a large bowl.
4. Coat the same skillet with cooking spray, cook the ground chicken until just cooked through.
5. Add the Northwoods or poultry seasoning and cook an additional minutes; transfer to the bowl with the pepper mixture.
6. Add the beans, salsa, corn, tomatoes, cauliflower rice, chili powders and cumin. Toss to combine.
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Spoon the chicken mixture into the peppers and place in a oven proof pot of baking dish.; Set aside.
9. Puree 1 1/2 cups of the diced tomatoes in a small food processor or blender.
10. Add the pureed tomatoes to the same skillet the chicken was cooked in.
11. Add the minced onion, sugar substitute, and basil.
12. Combine the flour and water in a small dish and whisk to combine; add to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
13. Cook, whisking frequently for about 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
14. Top the stuffed peppers with the tomato sauce.
15. Cover the pan with foil and lid if using a pot; Bake 45 minutes covered.
16. Uncover and cook an additional 15 minutes.
17. Serve topping with additional sauce from the bottom of the pan.

Enjoy!