Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stuffed Peppers

INGREDIENTS

green bell peppers, seeded and cut in half

2 tbsp

olive oil

stalks celery, diced

small onion, diced

2 lb

cremini mushrooms, sliced

3 tbsp

butter

4 tbsp

flour

2 cups

cold milk

2 cups

chicken stock

1 tsp

dried thyme, crushed

5 tsp

dried mushrooms such as oyster or porcini, ground into a powder

1/2 tsp

kosher salt, divided

1/2 tsp

freshly ground black pepper

2 cups

cooked chicken, shredded

2 cups

cooked white rice

1 1/4 cups

shredded cheese such as Monterey jack or cheddar