If you love bold flavors and a pop of color on your plate, the Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These vibrant bell peppers are filled with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken mixture that’s oozing with cheesy goodness and a subtle tang from the buffalo sauce. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food with a hint of heat, all baked to perfection in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for an impressive weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe delivers mouthwatering satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and those irresistible colors. From the crunchy peppers to the creamy sharp cheddar, every component comes together with ease and importance.
- 4 large bell peppers (any color): Choose firm ones that will stand upright and hold the filling beautifully.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: This is the hearty base, perfect for soaking up all the buffalo sauce flavor.
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce: Adds that signature spicy kick and tang that defines the dish.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Gives the filling an indulgently creamy texture and balances the heat.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly, lending a rich, sharp flavor to the peppers.
- 2 green onions, finely sliced: Fresh garnish that adds a mild kick and color contrast.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when it’s time to bake your stuffed peppers. This step is crucial for that perfect tender yet slightly firm pepper texture.
Step 2: Prepare the bell peppers
Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds inside. Keeping them upright in your baking dish helps them hold their shape and catch all the delicious filling.
Step 3: Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mixing these thoroughly ensures every bite bursts with creamy, spicy, cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Stuff the peppers
Take your pepper shells and fill each generously with the buffalo chicken mixture. Press the filling down gently to pack it in nicely, maximizing every bite with flavor.
Step 5: Bake until melty and tender
Pop the stuffed peppers in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for tender peppers and deliciously melted cheese on top — this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Add finishing touches and serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the finely sliced green onions over the peppers. These fresh onions add a lovely sharpness and a burst of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Aside from green onions, consider a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for creamy coolness that balances the spicy buffalo flavors. A little fresh parsley can brighten the plate, too.
Side Dishes
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers pair well with simple sides like celery sticks or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes to complement the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve the peppers on a rustic wooden board with dipping sauces in small bowls for an interactive dining experience. You can also sprinkle extra cheddar and crispy bacon bits for a crunchy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe freezes very well. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed peppers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwaving works, but the oven method keeps the peppers from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives that bold flavor, you can swap in mozzarella for a milder taste, or even pepper jack to add a little extra heat.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with cooked cauliflower florets or black beans mixed with the buffalo sauce and cream cheese for a delicious vegetarian option.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
The heat level depends on your buffalo sauce choice. You can easily adjust the spiciness by using a mild, medium, or hot buffalo sauce depending on your preference.
Can I prepare these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffed peppers a few hours before baking and keep them in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking straight from chilled.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, Greek yogurt or sour cream can substitute well to maintain that creamy texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that’s both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, and this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe hits every mark. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just love a great cheesy, comforting meal, these stuffed peppers are sure to become a fast favorite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s vibrant, delicious, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your dinner table.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring tender bell peppers filled with a spicy buffalo chicken mixture, creamy cheese, and baked to perfection. This recipe offers a perfect combination of spicy, creamy, and cheesy flavors, making it ideal for a family dinner or game-day snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds. Stand the peppers upright in a baking dish to hold the stuffing securely.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended into a creamy and spicy mixture.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each pepper cavity, pressing down gently to fill them completely.
- Bake: Bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese inside has melted nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven, sprinkle the stuffed peppers with finely sliced green onions, and serve warm for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to make the dish more or less spicy according to your preference.
- For a creamier texture, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use different colored bell peppers to add a vibrant look to the dish.
- Serve with a side of celery sticks and ranch dressing for an authentic buffalo experience.
