Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers is simple and tasty . It brings in hot buffalo chicken flavor with the fresh crunch of bell peppers . You can eat it for lunch , dinner or even at snack time when watching your favorite sport . The dish hаs bold taste and still feels like a lighter treat .
One big plus is that this snack is gluten free and low carb . It works well for keto and paleo folks who dont want to miss out . Bell pеppers give you vitamins A and C plus fiber , so you feel full longer . Chicken adds lean protein to help your muscles and hunger . And if you swap in Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese you get healthy probiotics too .
Stuffed peppers are catching on in home kitchens and in restaurants . You can fill them with many things to keep meals fun . They work as a big main plate or as bite sized appetizers . Even picky eaters often like the mіx of spicy chicken and sweet peppers .
As folk try new dishes at home , these stuffed peppers show up more on dinner tables and menus . Their simple idea makes cooking less scary and more fun .
What Are Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers?
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are bell peppers cut in half and filled with a tasty mix of shredded chicken , buffalo sauce and creamy cheese or yogurt . The peppers serve as a bright and sturdy bowl that keep all the filling inside . You end up with a meal thats both fun to eat and full of flavor .
The main draw is the flavor combo . Buffalo chicken has that spicy and tangy kick with a bit of cream . When you pack it in a pepper you get a sweet crunch too . Some recipes swap bell peppers for jalapeños if you want more heat , or use poblano peppers for a smoky twist . Sauces can also change from homemade buffalo sauce to other sauces for new flavors .
Using fresh stuff is really key . Fresh chicken and peppers taste so much better and give you more nutrients . You can also add herbs and spices to make the dish your own . Some people toss in celery or green onions to get extra crunch .
Nutritional Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers have a strong nutrition punch . Bell peppers are low in calories and high in vitamins A and C which help your immune system and skin . They also have fiber that keep your digestion moving and help you feel full .
Chicken is lean protein that your muscles need to repair and grow . It has important amino acids that your body uses for many jobs . This helps if you watch your calories to feel satisfied longer . To add creaminess and gut healthy bacteria you can use Greek yogurt instead of dairy cheese . That way you get calcium and probiotics too .
Plus these peppers fit many diets like keto , paleo , and gluten free . You dont have to skip flavor when you follow special meal plans . Its an easy way to mix good nutrition with tasty eating .
Nutritional Benefits of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers also have antioxidants that fight free radicals and keep you healthy inside . The fiber means better digestion and less snacking .
Then chicken again gives muscle friendly proteins . Amino acids help in many body jobs and keep you from feeling hungry . Greek yogurt adds even more benefits with calcium and gut friendly germs .
All in all , buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are great for low carb , paleo , keto or gluten free . They let you enjoy a balanced plate with big taste and no guilt .
Ingredients Required
- Bell peppers: choose red , yellow , green or orange .
- Cooked shredded chicken: rotisserie chicken works well .
- Buffalo sauce: store bought or homemade .
- Cream cheese or Greek yogurt: for creaminess and health .
- Spices: like paprika , garlic powder and onion powder .
- Optional toppings: blue cheese crumbs or green onions .
Directions for Preparing Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Preparation: wash peppers and slice in half , removing seeds and stems . Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) .
- Making the filling: mix shredded chicken , buffalo sauce and cream cheese or Greek yogurt in a bowl . Season with spices as you like .
- Stuffing the peppers: fill each pepper half well and top with extra cheese if you want .
- Baking: place peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil . Bake about 25 to 30 minutes . Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to let the tops get bubbly . Let cool a bit before serving .
Tips for the Perfect Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
To create the best buffalo chicken stuffed peppers , try these tips :
- Pick fresh peppers: choose ones that are firm and big enough so they dont collapse .
- Mix it up: add diced celery or carrots for crunch , or swap chicken for turkey or plant based protein .
- Save leftovers: store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer . Reheat in oven or microwave .
- Serve with: a fresh salad , celery sticks with ranch or tortilla chips for extra crunch .
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are easy to tweak :
- Different peppers: try poblano for smoky flavor or jalapeño for extra heat .
- Other proteins: use ground turkey or plant based chicken instead of regular chicken .
- Vegan option: swap chicken for chickpeas , lentils or tofu marinated in buffalo sauce .
- New flavors: experiment with barbecue or teriyaki sauce for a twist .
Serving Ideas
Enhance your meal with :
- Sides: fresh salads , grain bowls or hearty soups .
- Drinks: craft beers that match the spice or cool mocktails for no alcohol .
- Appetizers: cut into small bites for game day or parties .
FAQs
1. How do I store leftover buffalo chicken stuffed peppers ? Let them cool completely then put in an airtight container . Keep in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months . To reheat , bake at 350°F (175°C) till hot .
2. Can I make these stuffed peppers in advance ? Yes , you can do all the prep early , stuff the peppers and keep them in fridge until you bake them . Then just pop them in the oven when ready .
3. Are buffalo chicken stuffed peppers healthy ? They are , because they have lean protein from chicken and vitamins and fiber from peppers . Using Greek yogurt keeps it lighter than cream cheese too .
4. What can I substitute if I dont have buffalo sauce ? Mix hot sauce with melted butter or use a zesty barbecue sauce for another flavor .
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian ? Sure , you can use chickpeas , lentils or tofu with buffalo sauce for a tasty plant based meal .
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Equipment
- 1 baking dish (9x13 inches)
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
- 1 oven mitts
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers red, green, yellow or orange
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo wing sauce, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently to ensure they are filled.
- Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
