Healthy and Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers bring a healthy twist to a classic favorite, combining the bold flavors of buffalo chicken with the nutritious benefits of bell peppers. This dish offers the perfect balance of spice and richness, providing an irresistible comfort food experience that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Ideal for meal prepping, a quick dinner, or a game-day snack, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe is the perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and ease. The peppers serve as a crunchy, satisfying base, while the buffalo chicken filling is spicy, savory, and creamy. Not only is this dish low-carb and gluten-free, but it’s also high in protein, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing taste.

The recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a lighter alternative to traditional buffalo wings, or just craving a bold, delicious dinner, these stuffed peppers deliver. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and can be enjoyed as leftovers, making them ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers
• Chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Buffalo sauce
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan, then place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.

2. Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add in buffalo sauce to taste, adjusting the amount depending on how spicy you want the filling. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy.

3. Prepare the Peppers

While the chicken is cooking, slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. If you’d like, you can also cut a thin slice off the bottom of the peppers to help them sit flat on the baking dish, though this is optional. Place the pepper halves into a baking dish, making sure they are spaced apart for easy stuffing.

4. Stuff the Peppers

Carefully spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into the prepared bell pepper halves. Pack the filling in generously but make sure not to overstuff the peppers. You want to ensure each pepper half gets a good portion of the buffalo chicken mixture.

5. Bake

Once all the peppers are stuffed, place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The peppers should become tender and the cheese filling should be bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve

Once baked, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, drizzle with a little ranch or blue cheese dressing and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as cauliflower or chickpeas, seasoned with the same buffalo sauce and spices for a meatless option.
• Low-Carb/Keto Version: Stick to the original recipe, as bell peppers are naturally low in carbs. You can also swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make it fully keto-friendly.
• Extra Veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding diced celery or carrots to the buffalo chicken filling to give the dish a crunchy texture.
• Spicy Variation: For an extra kick, add more cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of buffalo sauce. You can also top the peppers with sliced jalapeños before baking.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper half (adjust based on your portion size preference)

This recipe typically yields 4 servings (2 halves per serving), but the number can vary depending on the size of the peppers and how generously you stuff them.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover stuffed peppers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed peppers will keep for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, bake the peppers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though the texture might be slightly different.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pepper for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of peppers like poblano or Anaheim peppers for a slightly different flavor, though bell peppers are the most common choice for stuffing due to their size and mild taste.

How do I make the buffalo chicken filling spicier?

To increase the heat, add more cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or use a spicier variety of buffalo sauce. You can also add chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the point of baking. Once the peppers are stuffed, cover them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake them when you’re ready to eat.

What can I serve with buffalo chicken stuffed peppers?

These stuffed peppers pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of mashed cauliflower for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

Yes, this recipe is low-carb and suitable for keto diets as long as you skip any high-carb sides like bread or potatoes.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the filling?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken breast. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and omit the shredded cheddar cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese option.

How do I make the peppers less crunchy?

If you prefer softer peppers, you can pre-cook them before stuffing them. Simply blanch the pepper halves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender, then stuff them and bake.

Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, ground chicken is a great alternative to chicken breasts. Cook the ground chicken in a skillet until fully browned and then proceed with the recipe.

Can I freeze leftover stuffed peppers?

Yes, stuffed peppers can be frozen. Just be sure to wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, bake them directly from frozen or thaw them in the fridge overnight.

Conclusion

These Healthy and Flavorful Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and nutritious take on a classic comfort food. With their bold buffalo chicken filling nestled inside sweet, tender bell peppers, they offer a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re watching a game or need a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The best part? It’s easily customizable to suit various dietary needs, making it a versatile dish everyone can enjoy. Try this recipe today and savor the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch!

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