Description
These healthy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers combine the bold taste of buffalo chicken with the nutritious benefits of bell peppers. A low-carb, high-protein, and customizable meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers – 4 (or 8 halves)
- Chicken breasts – 2 (boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 2 cloves (minced)
- Onion powder – 1 tsp
- Paprika – 1 tsp
- Cayenne pepper (optional) – 1/2 tsp
- Cream cheese – 4 oz (softened)
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1/2 cup
- Buffalo sauce – 1/4 cup (or to taste)
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional) – for drizzling
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Shred the chicken with two forks and set aside. -
Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Stir in buffalo sauce to taste, adjusting for desired spice level. Mix until creamy and well combined. -
Prepare the Peppers:
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Optionally, trim a small slice from the bottom of each pepper to help them sit flat in the baking dish. -
Stuff the Peppers:
Generously spoon the buffalo chicken filling into each pepper half, ensuring each one is filled evenly without overstuffing. -
Bake:
Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly and golden.
-
Serve:
Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Optionally, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based protein (e.g., cauliflower or chickpeas) in place of chicken, seasoned with buffalo sauce and spices.
- Low-Carb/Keto Version: Keep the original recipe, ensuring it’s fully keto by swapping out dairy for dairy-free options if needed.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced celery or carrots to the buffalo chicken filling for more crunch and flavor.
- Spicy Version: Increase cayenne pepper or use a hotter variety of buffalo sauce. Top with jalapeños before baking for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Healthy, Low-Carb, Meal Prep
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken, stuffed peppers, low-carb dinner, healthy stuffed peppers, gluten-free buffalo chicken