If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a delightful kick, this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to meals. Combining tender roasted bell peppers with a spicy buffalo chicken filling, it’s the perfect comfort food that feels indulgent yet healthy. Each bite delivers the tangy heat of buffalo sauce, balanced by smooth cream cheese and melted cheddar, making this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these stuffed peppers bring warmth, color, and flavor to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors, and this recipe is proof! Each component plays a vital role in bringing together the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness that defines this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe.
- 4 large bell peppers (any color): These act as natural edible cups, providing a vibrant base and tender crunch after baking.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: The hearty protein that soaks up the buffalo sauce for that signature spicy flavor.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adds the spicy, tangy punch—feel free to adjust the heat level to your liking.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, rich texture that balances the buffalo sauce’s heat perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the chicken mixture, offering a savory sharpness and gooey finish.
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish): They provide a fresh, mild bite and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, slice the tops off your bell peppers and carefully remove all the seeds and membranes. Setting them upright in a baking dish ensures they keep their shape and hold the filling nicely during cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until fully integrated into a creamy, spicy filling. This blend packs all the bold buffalo flavor with a luxurious texture that will perfectly fill your peppers.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Fill each prepared bell pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture, pressing it gently to fill every nook. Don’t be shy—the more filling, the better! This step is where the magic truly begins as those spicy, cheesy flavors get cozy inside the peppers.
Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Melty
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the peppers are tender to the fork and the cheese within is bubbly and melted to perfection. The oven time melds the flavors beautifully and softens the peppers just enough without losing their vibrant colors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. This blue, green, and red combination adds freshness and color that makes these stuffed peppers visually inviting and extra tasty.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like sliced green onions add a gentle bite and uplifting color, but feel free to try chopped cilantro or thinly sliced radishes for additional crunch. A light drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing can also complement the spicy buffalo flavor and add a creamy finishing touch.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider serving these stuffed peppers alongside a crisp green salad, celery sticks, or even garlic bread. The light and crunchy sides help balance the richness and spice, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or family, serve these peppers on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra buffalo sauce and dipping ranch. You can also slice each pepper stuffed portion in half to share or arrange them with colorful garnishes for a festive look that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover buffalo chicken stuffed peppers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen with time, making for an even more delicious next-day treat.
Freezing
If you want to keep these peppers for longer, freeze them uncovered on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to two months without losing their texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Microwaving works too but may soften the peppers more than baking, so use that if you’re in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers for this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
Absolutely! While bell peppers are great for their size and sweetness, you can try poblano or even large sweet Italian peppers for a little twist. Just make sure they’re big enough to hold the filling securely.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the shredded chicken with roasted cauliflower or cooked chickpeas. Adding extra spices or smoked paprika can help replicate that bold buffalo chicken flavor.
How spicy will this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe be?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice and how much you add. You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to taste, or add a milder wing sauce for less spice. It’s very versatile!
Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. You can stuff the peppers and store them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness and warmth.
What can I serve instead of cheddar cheese?
While sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and meltiness, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheeses are great alternatives if you prefer a milder flavor or softer melt.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a fabulous Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy elements will have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own, sharing this wonderful twist on buffalo chicken with loved ones. Get ready for some seriously delicious mealtime magic!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers combine the spicy tang of buffalo sauce with creamy cheese and tender chicken, all baked inside colorful bell peppers for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack, this recipe brings a delicious twist to classic buffalo chicken flavors wrapped in a healthy vegetable.
Ingredients
Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Garnish
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Place the hollowed peppers upright in a baking dish ready for stuffing.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended and creamy.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill each prepared bell pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they are well stuffed.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and finely sliced green onions on top, and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control the heat level.
- Use leftover cooked chicken to save time or roast chicken breasts fresh before preparing.
- For a milder version, substitute buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese to ensure an even, creamy filling.
- Bell pepper colors can be mixed for a colorful presentation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
