In the world of comfort food, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers stand out as a deliciously satisfying option. They are a perfect blend of spicy, cheesy, and nutritious all in one bite. This dish takes classic Buffalo chicken flavors and transforms them into a wholesome meal by stuffing them into colorful bell peppers. Not only do these stuffed peppers burst with flavor, but they also add a fun, healthy twist to your dinner table. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a family-friendly meal, or preparing for game day snacks, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a fantastic choice that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a great meal for several reasons. First, they are easy to prepare, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can whip them up in about 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a quick yet filling dinner.
Second, they offer a healthy alternative to traditional Buffalo chicken dishes. By using bell peppers as a base, you incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Bell peppers are not only colorful, but they also provide vitamins A and C, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
Moreover, this recipe allows you to customize the heat level. You can use mild or spicy Buffalo sauce depending on your taste preferences. Plus, they are great for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, and enjoy them throughout the week.
Finally, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers work for various diets. They can be made gluten-free, and you can substitute any protein or sauce you prefer. With their versatility and deliciousness, it’s clear why you should try this recipe.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers is a simple process. First, gather all your ingredients: bell peppers, cooked chicken, Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. You can use any color of bell peppers—red, yellow, or green—all work well.
Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken with Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything until it’s well combined and creamy.
Fill each bell pepper with the chicken mixture. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Now, you have delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers make a fantastic main dish. You can serve them as is, or pair them with a side salad for a complete meal. A green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the spicy flavor of the peppers nicely.
Consider serving them with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. This addition gives a cool contrast to the heat of the Buffalo sauce and is a beloved pairing with Buffalo chicken dishes.
For a fun party snack, cut the stuffed peppers into smaller pieces and serve them on a platter. This way, guests can enjoy them as finger food.
If you have leftovers, consider serving them heated up for lunch the next day or chopping them up to add to a salad. Another great option is to serve them with tortilla chips to scoop up any leftover filling. No matter how you serve them, Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers will please any crowd.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Storing Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers is easy. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them. Place any uneaten stuffed peppers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them. Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to eat them, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply bake straight from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-50 minutes or until heated through. If you stored them in the fridge, reheat them in the oven for about 20-30 minutes or until warm.
This makes Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers a convenient option for meal prep or leftover management.
Tips to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
To take your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers to the next level, here are some handy tips. First, do not skip the cream cheese. It adds a creamy texture that balances the spice of the Buffalo sauce beautifully.
Second, you can enhance the flavor by sautéing some onions or garlic and adding them to the chicken mix before stuffing the peppers. This little step can make a big difference in taste.
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or corn to the filling. This adds more nutrients and helps stretch the recipe.
If you want them spicier, add jalapeños or extra hot sauce. Conversely, for a milder version, choose a less spicy Buffalo sauce.
Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the presentation! Garnishing with chopped green onions or cilantro can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish.
Variation
There are many ways to vary this recipe! You can make a vegetarian version by using cooked quinoa or beans instead of chicken. For a different flavor, try using barbecue sauce instead of Buffalo sauce.
You can also customize the type of cheese you use. Try blue cheese crumbles for a more authentic Buffalo flavor or cheddar cheese for a milder option.
Lastly, experimenting with different types of peppers can be fun! Mini bell peppers or even poblano peppers can be great substitutes for a twist on the recipe.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken for the filling?
No, it’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the peppers and filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and bake when ready to eat.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers?
Salads, dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing, or even tortilla chips for scooping work well as sides.
How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?
The peppers should be tender, and the cheese on top should be melted and bubbly.
Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
Yes, they freeze well. Just be sure to wrap them properly to avoid freezer burn.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A deliciously satisfying blend of spicy, cheesy filling stuffed in colorful bell peppers, ideal for game day snacks or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, Buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until creamy.
- Fill each bell pepper with the chicken mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
To customize spice level, use mild or spicy Buffalo sauce. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or corn for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, stuffed peppers, comfort food, easy dinner, game day recipes, gluten-free
