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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors and comforting textures, this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender bell peppers bursting with a creamy, spicy filling of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and melted cheeses—all baked to golden perfection. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that brings excitement to your dinner table with every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers a flavorful punch wrapped in colorful, wholesome goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe lies in its simplicity and vibrancy. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the crisp sweetness of the bell peppers to the spicy richness of the buffalo sauce. These carefully selected basics work together to create a dish that’s both hearty and fresh.
- 4 large bell peppers: Choose any color you love for a vibrant presentation and a sweet crunch.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded): The protein-packed base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature spicy kick that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened): Brings creamy richness and balances the heat.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a mild, gooey layer that pulls on every forkful.
- 2 green onions (finely chopped): Imparts a fresh, zesty bite and bright green color.
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing: The perfect cool drizzle to complement the spicy filling.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to lightly coat the peppers for roasting, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the tastes into harmony.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot and ready to transform your peppers into tender, flavorful vessels for the buffalo chicken filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Gently cut the tops off your bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Drizzle the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper for a lightly seasoned base that will roast perfectly in the oven.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and chopped green onions. Mix everything thoroughly until the filling is uniformly creamy, cheesy, and packed with spicy flavor.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Next, fill each bell pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture, pressing it in firmly to maximize every bite. Don’t be shy to mound some of the filling slightly above the rim—it will bubble and brown gorgeously while baking.
Step 5: Bake the Peppers
Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the filling moist and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the peppers become tender and the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, allow the peppers to cool gently for a few minutes. Drizzle ranch or blue cheese dressing over the top, and if you want, sprinkle a few extra green onions to brighten the dish even more. Serve hot and enjoy the perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can really elevate the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe. Try topping your peppers with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. A drizzle of extra ranch or blue cheese dressing enhances the creamy, tangy contrast. For a little crunch, consider adding some crushed celery or even a small handful of chopped cilantro to brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider pairing these stuffed peppers with crisp celery sticks or a simple side salad. The fresh vegetables act as a cool, crisp counterpart to the rich, spicy filling. Garlic bread or a light quinoa salad also works beautifully, especially if you want something a bit heartier alongside your peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe in mini bell peppers as appetizers or party bites. You could also scoop the filling onto crunchy tortilla chips for a delicious buffalo chicken nacho experience. Alternatively, slice the stuffed peppers crosswise and serve as vibrant rounds for a colorful platter that invites sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—which might be tough given how tasty these peppers are—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavors without getting soggy.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe also freezes beautifully. Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. This makes for a fantastic, convenient meal whenever you’re craving something spicy and comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, remove any plastic wrap and re-cover with foil. Warm the peppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but baking helps retain that melty, bubbly cheese and tender pepper texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide great flavor and meltiness, gouda or pepper jack can bring unique twists. Feel free to experiment with your favorites to suit your taste.
Is it okay to use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
This recipe works best with cooked chicken to ensure the filling has the right texture and flavor. If you want to start with raw chicken, cook and shred it first before mixing into the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the chicken for a hearty plant-based protein like cooked lentils or seasoned tofu, and you’ll still get the delicious buffalo flavor and satisfying texture in your stuffed peppers.
How spicy is the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. Mild buffalo sauce will offer a gentle kick, while hotter varieties will turn up the spice. You can adjust to your preferred heat by mixing in more or less sauce.
Can I prepare these peppers in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed peppers and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal planning a breeze without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe that makes me want to share it with everyone I know. It’s an exciting, cozy dish that brings together rich, spicy flavors and fresh veggies in one beautiful package. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion, give this a try—you won’t regret it!
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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and satisfying dish featuring bell peppers filled with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken mixture and baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe is perfect for a flavorful, protein-packed meal with a tangy kick, topped with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing for an extra touch of creaminess.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 green onions (finely chopped)
Filling
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- 1/2 cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Drizzle the inside of each pepper with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and finely chopped green onions. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture, packing it tightly and mounding slightly over the top for a generous filling.
- Bake the Peppers: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle each stuffed pepper with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with extra chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Notes
- You can use any color of bell peppers according to your preference or availability.
- Cooked chicken can be roasted, grilled, or leftover chicken shredded for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce based on your desired spice level.
- The recipe can be made ahead by assembling the stuffed peppers and refrigerating them before baking.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and shredded cheeses with plant-based alternatives and skip ranch/blue cheese dressing or use vegan dressing.
