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These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers combine sweet, tender bell peppers with tangy buffalo chicken and melty cheese for an irresistible meal that's both impressive and surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings, this low-carb dish delivers all the flavor of buffalo wings in a satisfying, complete meal.
Last weekend, I made these for a casual dinner with friends, and even the person who claimed they didn't like bell peppers went back for seconds! The combination of tangy buffalo sauce and sweet roasted peppers won everyone over.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Bell Peppers - Choose red, orange, or yellow for sweeter flavor and vibrant presentation
- Shredded Chicken - Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor
- Buffalo Sauce - Use your favorite brand or make homemade with Frank's Red Hot
- Ranch Dressing - Adds creaminess and balances the heat
- Mozzarella Cheese - Creates that perfect melty, stretchy texture
- Blue Cheese Crumbles - Optional topping that adds traditional buffalo wing flavor
The magic happens when the sweet roasted peppers combine with the tangy, spicy buffalo chicken filling and melty cheese, creating the perfect bite with every forkful.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Prep and Pre-Roast the Peppers
- Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 350°F for about 10 minutes until just beginning to soften. This crucial pre-roasting step ensures perfectly tender peppers.
- Step 2: Create the Buffalo Chicken Filling
- While peppers roast, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite has that classic buffalo flavor.
- Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Remove partially roasted peppers from the oven and fill generously with the buffalo chicken mixture. Pack the filling in well, creating a slight mound on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
- Step 4: Finish Baking and Broil
- Return stuffed peppers to the oven for 5 more minutes to heat through. Then switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to create a golden, bubbly cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Top the hot peppers with crumbled blue cheese, a drizzle of ranch dressing, and sliced green onions for restaurant-quality presentation and added flavor dimension. Serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
- Step 6: Enjoy Immediately
- Serve while hot and bubbly for the best eating experience. The peppers should be tender enough to cut with a fork but still hold their shape.
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Perfect for Meal Prep Success
These stuffed peppers excel as make-ahead meals for busy weeks. Prepare a double batch on Sunday, refrigerate some for midweek dinners, and freeze the rest for future meals. Once cooled, wrap individual portions in foil, then place in freezer bags. They maintain quality for up to four months and reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Family-Friendly Adaptations
For households with varying heat preferences, consider customizing the spice level by portion. Reserve some filling before adding buffalo sauce, then mix with milder seasonings for heat-sensitive family members. Children typically enjoy these peppers when made with a mix of buffalo sauce and barbecue sauce, maintaining flavor while reducing spiciness. The colorful presentation naturally appeals to younger eaters.
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Nutritional Powerhouse Benefits
Beyond their delicious flavor, these peppers deliver impressive nutritional value. Bell peppers provide vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, while lean chicken offers quality protein. This balanced combination creates a satisfying meal with approximately 26g protein per serving while keeping carbohydrates low at just 6g. The high protein content promotes satiety, making this an excellent option for weight management.
Entertaining Presentation Ideas
When hosting, elevate presentation by arranging multi-colored peppers on a large white platter with fresh herb garnishes. For game day gatherings, serve mini versions using smaller peppers as finger food. Create a toppings bar with extra blue cheese crumbles, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and additional buffalo sauce, allowing guests to customize their portions according to personal preference.
You Must Know
- Pre-roasting the peppers is essential for perfect texture
- Use paper towels to pat the peppers dry after washing for better oil adhesion
- For spicier filling, add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne
- Blue cheese is traditional with buffalo chicken but can be omitted if you don't care for it
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven
I learned the importance of pre-roasting peppers after my first attempt left them too crunchy despite the filling being fully cooked. Now I always give them a head start in the oven for the perfect tender-crisp texture.
Chef's Essential Tips
- For extra flavor, brush the insides of peppers with buffalo sauce before filling
- If using leftover chicken, warm it slightly before mixing with other ingredients
- For a creamier filling, add 2 oz softened cream cheese to the mixture
- Allow the peppers to rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving
- Cut peppers lengthwise rather than tops off for more stable stuffing vessels
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This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe has become my go-to when I want something that feels special but doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It's the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a complete meal without a lot of side dishes or prep work.
Final Tips
- Serve with a simple green salad for a complete meal
- For a heartier dish, add cooked rice or quinoa to the filling
- Make ahead and refrigerate before the final baking step
- Try with different colored peppers for a beautiful presentation
- Double the recipe for meal prep – they freeze beautifully!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or meal-prepped shredded chicken all work well.
- → How spicy are these peppers?
- Spice level depends on your buffalo sauce. Use mild sauce for less heat or add more for extra spice.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake when ready to serve.
- → Can I freeze these?
- Yes, freeze filled peppers up to 4 months. Thaw and heat until warmed through.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- Simple salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw complement these stuffed peppers.