Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Looking for a delicious and creative way to enjoy the zesty flavors of buffalo chicken? Look no further than these Tasty Buffalo Chicken Peppers! Packed with all the mouthwatering goodness of buffalo wings, these stuffed peppers are a surefire hit for any mealtime occasion.

Imagine soft, oven-baked bell peppers cradling a tantalizing mixture of pulled chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. I stumbled upon this recipe while brainstorming ways to repurpose store-bought rotisserie chicken, and it quickly became a household favorite.

The secret to perfecting these Tasty Buffalo Chicken Peppers lies in pre-baking the peppers just right before adding in the flavorful filling. The sweet roasted peppers harmonize beautifully with the bold buffalo chicken mix, striking a flawless balance between comfort food indulgence and wholesome eating. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or impressing guests at a gathering, these stuffed peppers are a versatile and scrumptious choice that promises to satisfy all cravings.

Quick Benefits

• Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants from colorful bell peppers.
• High in protein: Provides lean protein from pulled cooked chicken without added fillers like rice or breadcrumbs.
• Customizable: Offers options for different spice levels, making it suitable for various preferences from mild to spicy.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

• Zingy Buffalo Flavor: Packed with the zesty, spicy taste of buffalo wings in a healthier form.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and steps make this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
• Colorful Presentation: The vibrant bell peppers make for an eye-catching and appetizing dish.
• Customizable Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by creating mild, medium, or spicy versions to suit everyone’s taste preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and enjoying throughout the week without losing flavor or texture.
• Healthy Ingredients: Provides a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken and essential nutrients from bell peppers.
• Versatile for Different Diets: Fits various dietary plans like keto and gluten-free by skipping common fillers like rice or breadcrumbs.
• Great for Entertaining: Makes a stunning centerpiece for gatherings with customizable toppings and bite-sized portions for guests to enjoy.
• Authentic Wing Vibes: The addition of celery in the filling enhances the classic buffalo chicken flavor, reminiscent of traditional buffalo wings.

Ingredients for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 cups pulled cooked chicken (roughly one whole store-bought rotisserie chicken)
• ½ cup creamy ranch dressing
• 3 colorful bell peppers
• ½ cup hot buffalo sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For Garnish

• Crumbled blue cheese (if you want)
• Chopped green onions

Pro Tips for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Pro Tip 1: To ensure the peppers are perfectly cooked and tender, pre-bake them for a bit before filling them. This step ensures that the peppers are not overly crunchy and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully when baking with the buffalo chicken mix.

Pro Tip 2: For personalized spice levels, prepare different versions of the buffalo chicken mix – mild, medium, and spicy. Keep some plain chicken aside before adding hot sauce for those who prefer milder flavors, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish without it being too hot or too bland.

Pro Tip 3: Make use of the versatility of this recipe by preparing extra stuffed peppers ahead of time for quick and convenient meals throughout the week. These peppers store well and the flavors even improve over time, making them a perfect option for meal prepping.

How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Heat your oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C.

Step 2: Cut your peppers

Cut each bell pepper in half and remove seeds and white membranes.

Step 3: Soften the peppers

Place the vegetables on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, coat with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for about 10 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 4: Mix your chicken filling

While the peppers bake, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch, mozzarella, and powders in a large bowl. Mix well.

Step 5: Fill and finish baking

Remove the peppers from the oven and fill each half with the chicken mixture. Return to the oven for 5 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes until the top is browned.

Step 6: Add final touches

Remove the wings from the oven and top with blue cheese, green onions, and a drizzle of ranch dressing if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Tasty Buffalo Chicken Peppers, you can store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. The stuffed peppers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the peppers have cooled down completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor. When reheating, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature to preserve their delicious taste and texture.

If you decide to make a batch of these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers ahead of time for meal prep, you can individually wrap each cooled pepper in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in the refrigerator. This way, you can easily grab a single serving and reheat it whenever you need a quick and satisfying meal. The flavors of the peppers will continue to meld and develop over time, making them even more delicious with each passing day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make substitutions in this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe, there are a few options to consider. For the pulled cooked chicken, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken as mentioned in the original recipe or opt for shredded cooked turkey as a lean alternative. To make this recipe vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with cooked chickpeas or a plant-based protein like tempeh or tofu, seasoned with buffalo sauce for flavor.

For those looking to adjust the spice level, you can customize the hot buffalo sauce by mixing it with some barbecue sauce for a milder taste. Additionally, if you prefer a different type of cheese, you can swap the mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or a dairy-free alternative like vegan cheese. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to add your own twist to the dish. Remember to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences while keeping the balance of flavors intact.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers, consider serving them on a large platter garnished with a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce and creamy ranch dressing for a striking visual effect. Sprinkle some chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor and texture. For a more interactive dining experience, set out small bowls of additional toppings like diced celery, carrot sticks, and various dips to allow guests to customize their stuffed peppers to their liking.

For a creative twist, transform the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers into a fun appetizer by slicing the cooked peppers into bite-sized pieces after filling. Arrange the colorful pepper slices on a wooden board or serving tray with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Add a side of extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for dipping to create a delightful finger food option that will be a hit at any party or gathering.

FAQs for Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

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

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese based on your preference. Some good alternatives to mozzarella could be cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of different cheeses for added flavor.

Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, these stuffed peppers work great as prepared-ahead meals. You can cook a larger batch, let them cool, and then wrap them individually for easy reheating throughout the week. The flavors actually blend better over time, making them a convenient and delicious option for meal prep.

How can I adjust the spiciness level of the buffalo chicken filling?

If you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the spiciness level by using less hot buffalo sauce or mixing some of the pulled chicken with only a small amount of sauce. This way, you can create different versions – mild, medium, and spicy – to cater to everyone’s preferences.

Why is it important to pre-bake the peppers before adding the filling?

Pre-baking the peppers before filling is crucial as it ensures that the peppers are cooked to a soft and tender texture. This step helps avoid having crunchy peppers in the final dish, as raw peppers might not fully cook through during the baking process with the filling.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring these Tasty Buffalo Chicken Peppers as much as I have! They truly are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing. Don’t be afraid to customize them to your liking, whether you prefer a milder version or want to spice things up even more.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and trying new things. So, gather your ingredients, get creative in the kitchen, and treat yourself to these delicious stuffed peppers. Trust me, they are worth every bite! Let me know in the comments how your Tasty Buffalo Chicken Peppers turn out, and feel free to share any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!