Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment for easy cleanup.
Prep the peppers: Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Brush the cut sides and outsides lightly with olive oil.
Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pre-bake the peppers: Place peppers cut side up and bake for 10–12 minutes to soften slightly. This helps them cook through without getting watery later.
Cook the bacon: While peppers pre-bake, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble or chop and set aside.
Reserve a teaspoon of bacon grease if you want extra flavor in the filling.
Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing (or ranch + mayo/sour cream), garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth.
Add the chicken and cheese: Fold in shredded chicken, mozzarella, half the cheddar, green onions, and most of the bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If it looks too thick, add a spoonful of sour cream.
Stuff the peppers: Remove peppers from the oven. Spoon the filling evenly into each half, mounding slightly. Top with the remaining cheddar and a sprinkle of bacon.
Bake to finish: Return to the oven and bake 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are fork-tender.
Optional broil: For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes.
Watch closely to avoid burning.
Rest and serve: Let peppers rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra green onions and a light drizzle of ranch if you like. Serve warm.