Looking for an easy way to spice up dinner? Try these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers! They're packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce, all stuffed into vibrant bell peppers. This dish is not just delicious; it’s simple to make and perfect for any meal. Let's dive into how you can create a tasty, satisfying dish that will impress everyone at your table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of buffalo sauce and creamy cheese creates a deliciously bold flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute party dish.
- Healthy Twist: Stuffing peppers with shredded chicken and veggies makes this dish a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo chicken dishes.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced celery
Seasoning and Garnishing
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions for garnish
The main ingredients for Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers create a tasty dish. First, choose your bell peppers. You can use red, green, yellow, or orange. All will add color and flavor. Next, use cooked shredded chicken. You can use store-bought or leftover chicken. Mix in buffalo sauce, which gives the dish its kick. Be sure to adjust the sauce amount to your taste.
Cream cheese makes the filling creamy and rich. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice sharpness. Diced celery gives a crunch that balances the soft filling. For seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder enhance the taste without being too strong. Finally, add salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors.
For garnishing, fresh chives or green onions add a pop of color and flavor. They also make the dish look pretty. You can sprinkle them on top just before serving. This dish is not just good; it's also fun to make and share!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes.
Mixing the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and buffalo sauce.
- Add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, diced celery, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until everything blends well.
Stuffing the Peppers
- Fill each pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture. Press down gently to pack it in.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Use crumpled aluminum foil if needed to help them stand.
Baking the Peppers
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake for about 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The peppers should be tender and the cheese bubbly.
- Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Serving Suggestions
For a fun presentation, use a bright platter. Arrange the stuffed peppers artfully. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce around the plate for color. Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for dipping. This adds a creamy touch that balances the heat.
Cooking Tips
When packing the filling, press it down firmly to fit. This helps to keep the filling inside while cooking. To ensure even cooking, place the stuffed peppers upright. If they wobble, use crumpled aluminum foil to support them. This keeps them stable in the oven.
Ingredient Adjustments
To adjust spice levels, add more or less buffalo sauce. Taste the mixture before stuffing the peppers to find the right heat. For cheese substitutions, you can use pepper jack or mozzarella. These options still melt well and add flavor.
Pro Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some ranch dressing to tone it down.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like diced onions, bell peppers, or corn for added nutrition and texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate them. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can easily make this dish lighter. Use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. It keeps the creamy texture while cutting calories. You can also substitute chicken with shredded turkey or even canned tuna. Both options make it tasty and healthy.
Different Flavor Profiles
If you want to switch things up, try using different sauces. BBQ sauce works great for a sweet and smoky flavor. You can add spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth. This way, you can create unique tastes that keep everyone guessing.
Vegetarian Versions
You can turn this dish into a vegetarian delight. Use plant-based proteins like lentils or chickpeas instead of chicken. Stuff the peppers with quinoa or rice mixed with veggies. You can even use zucchini or mushrooms as the base. This makes a hearty meal for those who don’t eat meat.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftovers, first let the stuffed peppers cool. Then, place them in a shallow container. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty.
Freezing
If you want to freeze stuffed peppers, let them cool completely first. Wrap each pepper in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 25 minutes.
Best Containers for Storage
Use airtight containers for storing your stuffed peppers. Glass containers work great. They keep the peppers fresh and do not absorb smells. It’s important to seal the containers well to keep out air and moisture. This helps maintain the taste and texture of your delicious meal.
FAQs
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these peppers in advance. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This way, dinner is ready to bake when you are. If you need to, you can also freeze the stuffed peppers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before baking.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers?
You have many great options for sides. Here are a few ideas:
- A fresh garden salad with ranch dressing
- Crispy sweet potato fries for a nice crunch
- Celery sticks with blue cheese or ranch dip
- A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup
These sides will balance the flavors and add more fun to your meal!
How long do stuffed peppers take to cook?
Usually, stuffed peppers take about 40 to 45 minutes to cook. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake them covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an extra 10 to 15 minutes. This gives you tender peppers and bubbly cheese. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
You can make tasty Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers with simple ingredients. We covered the main ingredients and instructions, from mixing to baking. I also shared tips for serving and variations to try. These peppers are easy to customize and store.
Now, you have all the tools to create a delicious meal that your friends and family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and finding what works best for you!
