When life hands you peppers, stuff them with buffalo chicken! Imagine the tender juiciness of seasoned chicken meeting the vibrant crunch of bell peppers, all drenched in that fiery buffalo sauce. The smell wafts through your kitchen, making it feel like a tailgate party but without the hassle of outdoor grilling.
Picture this: it’s game day, and your friends are gathered around, eagerly waiting for something delicious to munch on. You present these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers, and suddenly, you’re the culinary MVP. Trust me; you’ll want to experience this flavor explosion that’s perfect for any occasion! For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors that delight
- Their vibrant colors make a stunning presentation for any gathering
- Versatile enough for meal prep or a party snack, they satisfy cravings while keeping things healthy
- Enjoy these goodies hot out of the oven or as leftovers—if there are any left!
I once made these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers for a potluck dinner, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than free pizza at a college dorm. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bell Peppers: Choose firm, brightly colored peppers for sweetness and crunch; green ones work too if you prefer less sweetness.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts should do; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for that extra zing; it’s where the magic happens.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and creaminess while balancing the heat from the buffalo sauce.
- Shredded Cheese: I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella; it gives a gooey melt and great flavor.
- Green Onions: Chop these for freshness; they add a delightful crunch and pop of color on top.
- Garlic Powder: Sprinkle some in for an aromatic kick; it enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Paprika: A dash of smoked paprika can elevate the dish with its subtle smokiness—trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start by spraying a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks during baking.
Prepare the Chicken Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and half of your shredded cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
Prepare the Peppers: Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place the pepper halves cut side up in your prepared baking dish.
Stuff Those Peppers!: Generously spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each pepper half until they’re filled to overflowing—because who doesn’t love generous portions?
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. This helps steam the peppers while keeping all those delicious juices inside.
Add Final Touches: Remove foil and sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve those beauties hot out of the oven! Garnish with chopped green onions for that extra pop of color and flavor.
Now that you’re armed with this fantastic recipe for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers, gather your friends or family around. Enjoy this culinary adventure together as you savor every bite!
You Must Know
- This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner
- The combination of spicy buffalo chicken and sweet bell peppers will have everyone asking for seconds
- Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sauté the chicken with spices first, then mix in cheese and stuff the peppers. Bake until tender and bubbly for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping regular cheese for blue cheese crumbles for a tangy kick. You can also add black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor; stale spices can dull your dish
- Always taste as you go; adjustments can make all the difference
- Consider pairing with a cooling dip, like ranch, to balance the heat
I remember the first time I made Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers; my friends devoured them in minutes! They still request them at every gathering, claiming it’s their new favorite dish.
FAQ
What peppers work best for this recipe?
Bell peppers are ideal due to their sweetness, but jalapeños add a spicy twist.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quicker and adds great flavor.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use lean chicken breast and reduce cheese for lower fat content while keeping flavor intact.
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate game-day treat or a delicious family dinner option. Imagine tender, spicy buffalo chicken enveloped in sweet bell peppers, topped with gooey melted cheese. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but is also a fun and colorful addition to any table. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these stuffed peppers will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Halve each bell pepper lengthwise and remove seeds. Place in the baking dish cut side up.
- Generously fill each pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining cheeses, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg