Name: Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 3 bell peppers; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 cups cooked shredded chicken (I used a whole rotisserie chicken); ½ cup buffalo sauce; ½ cup ranch dressing; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; green onions (thinly sliced, for garnish); crumbled blue cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Every once in a while, a dish comes along that transforms a simple meal into something extraordinary, and for me, that dish is Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers. I remember the first time I made these vibrant, flavorful peppers for a gathering. As I pulled them from the oven, the enticing aroma of the spicy buffalo sauce filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. One by one, my friends and family gathered around the table, eyes wide with anticipation. Each bite was a perfect balance of warm, cheesy goodness and a spicy kick, making it hard to stop at just one. These peppers are not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying, making them a favorite during fall get-togethers.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
32 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
17 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
325 kcal

Protein:
30 g

Diet:
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
15 g

Tools Used:
Rimmed baking sheet, Mixing Bowl

Why This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Works

Healthy Comfort Food

What I love most about Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers is that they strike the perfect balance between indulgence and health. Stuffed with lean, shredded chicken, they’re packed with protein while being low in carbs. This is a dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor while still keeping things light.

Perfect for Meal Prep

These stuffed peppers are fantastic for meal prep! You can make a batch at the beginning of the week, and they reheat beautifully. Just pop them in the microwave or oven, and you have a delicious, ready-to-eat meal waiting for you.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While I love the classic flavors of buffalo chicken, you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences. Want to add some veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different sauce? Try barbecue or teriyaki for a fun twist.

Fun for the Whole Family

Cooking Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers can be a family affair! Kids can help by stuffing the peppers or sprinkling the cheese on top. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen and excited about eating healthy.

Great for Entertaining

If you’re looking for a dish that impresses your guests, look no further. These peppers are not only delicious but also visually stunning. When you serve them, everyone will want to know your secret, and you can proudly share how easy they are to make!

Comforting and Satisfying

There’s something about a warm, cheesy pepper stuffed with spicy chicken that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for chilly fall evenings when you want something hearty yet healthy.

Ingredients Required for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

The beauty of the ingredients in Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers lies in their simplicity and harmony. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect stuffed pepper. The bell peppers serve as a vibrant vessel, while the combination of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing creates a creamy, spicy filling that bursts with flavor. The mozzarella cheese not only adds richness but also a gooey texture that ties everything together beautifully.

3 bell peppers – Choose firm, colorful peppers; they will bring brightness and sweetness to the dish.
2 tablespoons olive oil – This will help roast the peppers to perfection.
½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the dish.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper – A touch of warmth that complements the peppers.
4 cups cooked shredded chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
½ cup buffalo sauce – Provides that delicious kick; feel free to adjust to your spice level.
½ cup ranch dressing – Adds creaminess and balances the spice.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and brings everything together.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds aromatic depth.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
green onions – Thinly sliced, for garnish and a fresh touch.
crumbled blue cheese – Optional, for an extra layer of flavor.

Step by Step Guide for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Once you gather all your ingredients, it’s time to dive into the delightful process of making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers. Trust me, the end result is worth every minute you spend in the kitchen. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. This step is crucial as it ensures your peppers cook evenly and thoroughly.
While the oven heats up, prepare the peppers. Slice them in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and membranes. Make sure to handle them gently so they maintain their shape.
Next, place the halved peppers on a baking tray or in a casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and brush it all over the insides and outsides of the peppers. This will help them roast nicely.
Season the peppers with salt and ground black pepper, giving them a little flavor boost. Once done, pop them into the oven for about 10 minutes until they’re just undercooked. This pre-roasting step ensures they’ll be tender yet hold their shape.
As the peppers roast, prepare your filling. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything together until well mixed and creamy.
Once the peppers are done roasting, carefully remove them from the oven. Using a spoon, fill each pepper half generously with the prepared filling, pressing it down slightly to pack it in.
Return the filled peppers to the oven and cook for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt beautifully.
For an added touch, place the peppers under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes. This step gives the cheese a delightful golden color and crispy texture.
Once they’re golden and bubbling, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
Finally, garnish with crumbled blue cheese and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful explosion of flavors in every bite!

Things Worth Knowing

Choosing the Right Peppers: Opt for firm, vibrant peppers. The color not only enhances the presentation but also affects the sweetness and flavor.
Cooked Chicken Options: Feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken. It’s a great way to repurpose meals and save time.
Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce according to your spice tolerance. Start with less if you’re unsure, and feel free to add more!
Garnishing: Adding garnishes like green onions or blue cheese elevates the dish both in flavor and presentation.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Adapting recipes is a fun way to keep things fresh and exciting in the kitchen. Here are some great ideas to personalize your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers:

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They also freeze well and can last for up to 4 months.
Freezing: If you want to prepare ahead, assemble the peppers and freeze before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pairing: Serve with a simple side salad or some crunchy veggies and dip for a balanced meal.
Variations: Experiment with different sauces, like barbecue or sweet chili, to change the flavor profile entirely.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with black beans or quinoa for a delicious vegetarian option.

Perfect Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

When serving Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers, consider these fantastic accompaniments:

Crisp Side Salad: A fresh garden salad can balance the richness of the peppers. Try mixing leafy greens with a light vinaigrette.
Veggie Platter: Serve alongside a platter of fresh vegetables and dip for a crunchy contrast.
Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa can complement the meal, adding a wholesome element.
Perfect for Football Parties: These stuffed peppers are a hit at game-day gatherings. They’re easy to serve and eat while cheering for your favorite team.
Seasonal Enjoyment: As the weather cools down, these peppers become a cozy, warming dinner option. Perfect for fall evenings!

FAQ

Absolutely! While bell peppers are the classic choice, you can experiment with different varieties like poblano or jalapeño for a spicier kick. Each type will add its own unique flavor and texture to the dish. Just keep in mind the size and shape to ensure they hold the filling well.

No problem at all! If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, feel free to use blue cheese dressing or even a homemade yogurt-based dressing. The creamy element is crucial, so just ensure you have something that will blend well with the buffalo sauce to create that delightful filling.

Yes, you can! Prepare the peppers and the filling ahead of time. Just assemble them and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, simply bake them in the oven. This makes for a great meal prep option for busy weeknights!

The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape. After the initial roasting, they should be slightly soft but not mushy. When they are done baking with the filling, the cheese should be bubbly and golden, indicating that they are ready to enjoy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a delightful blend of flavors that elevate a simple dish into a comfort food masterpiece. I encourage you to try making them for your next meal—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. The combination of spicy chicken, creamy cheese, and sweet peppers will surely impress. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy creating this tasty recipe!