Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: 5 Flavorful Dinner Ideas Try
Introduction
Are you craving a spicy, protein-packed meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? Look no further than Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers! This mouthwatering dish combines the zesty kick of buffalo sauce with tender chicken and crisp bell peppers, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a fan of buffalo chicken peppers or looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why is it Perfect for You?
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are an ideal choice for anyone seeking a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s also nutritious. Here’s why you’ll love this dish:
◾ High in protein: The chicken provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
◾ Low-carb option: Perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.
◾ Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
◾ Versatile: Suitable for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
◾ Meal-prep friendly: Make a batch and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients List
◾ 4 large bell peppers (any color)
◾ 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
◾ 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
◾ 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
◾ 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
◾ 1/4 cup chopped celery
◾ 1/4 cup chopped green onions
◾ 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers thoroughly, then slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes, creating perfect vessels for our delicious buffalo chicken filling. Arrange the pepper halves in a baking dish, cut-side up.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, and green onions. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. The cream cheese will help bind the mixture while adding a creamy texture that complements the spicy buffalo sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Generously spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each pepper half, pressing down gently to pack the filling. Don’t be afraid to overfill slightly – the more, the merrier! Once all peppers are stuffed, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each one.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and prevent any burnt tongues! Garnish with additional green onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
◾ Calories: 320 per serving
◾ Protein: 25g
◾ Fat: 18g
◾ Carbohydrates: 12g
◾ Fiber: 3g
Calories per Person
Each serving of Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers contains approximately 320 calories, making it a satisfying yet relatively light meal option.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe even healthier, consider these alternatives:
◾ Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a protein boost.
◾ Opt for a low-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie content.
◾ Increase the vegetable content by adding diced carrots or zucchini to the filling.
◾ Use cauliflower rice instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers meal with these complementary sides:
◾ Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
◾ Celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese dip
◾ Roasted sweet potato wedges
◾ Quinoa or brown rice for added fiber
Common Mistakes to Avoid
◾ Overcooking the peppers, making them too soft
◾ Using cold cream cheese, which won’t mix well
◾ Forgetting to season the filling with salt and pepper
◾ Not allowing the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving
Storing Tips for the Recipe
To keep your Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers fresh:
◾ Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
◾ Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
◾ Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
While it’s possible, using pre-cooked chicken ensures even cooking and reduces the risk of undercooked meat. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before mixing with other ingredients.
How spicy are these stuffed peppers?
The spice level can be adjusted by using more or less buffalo sauce. For a milder version, use half buffalo sauce and half tomato sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with plant-based alternatives like jackfruit, tempeh, or a mix of beans and grains for a delicious vegetarian version.
What’s the best type of pepper to use?
Bell peppers work best due to their size and sturdy structure. Red, yellow, or orange peppers tend to be sweeter than green ones, but any color will work well.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from chilled.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers offer a delightful twist on classic comfort food, combining the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken with the nutritional benefits of bell peppers. This versatile and easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining guests. By following our recipe and tips, you’ll create a memorable meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own!
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Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
