Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Wash the bell peppers carefully and slice each one lengthwise to create two halves. Remove all the seeds and white membranes so there’s enough room for the filling.
Place the pepper halves inside the baking dish with the cut side facing upward. Try to choose peppers with flat bottoms so they stay steady while baking. This also helps the filling stay evenly distributed during cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced jalapeño, salsa, cumin, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes creamy and fully blended. The softened cream cheese helps create a smooth and rich filling.
I like using freshly shredded cheese because it melts beautifully and gives the filling a creamier texture. Taste the mixture before stuffing the peppers and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Use a spoon to fill each pepper half generously with the chicken mixture. Press the filling down lightly so each pepper is packed well but not overflowing. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if you want a golden and bubbly finish.
Once all the peppers are filled, sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for added freshness. The bright herb flavor balances the richness of the cheese perfectly.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake the stuffed peppers for about 35 minutes so the peppers soften and the filling heats through completely.
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This helps the cheese become slightly golden and deliciously bubbly on top.
Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be extremely hot straight from the oven, so giving it a short rest improves the texture too.
Serve the peppers warm with your favorite side dishes or toppings. They’re creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying for lunch or dinner.