Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried buffalo chicken stuffed peppers yet, you’re in for a serious treat! Picture this: tender bell peppers bursting with the spicy, tangy goodness of buffalo chicken, all wrapped up in a colorful, nutritious package. It’s like a party for your taste buds! Not only do these stuffed peppers deliver that crave-worthy buffalo flavor we all love, but they also bring along the crunchy, fresh benefits of bell peppers. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun game day snack. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation. You’ve got to give them a try!
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- 4 bell peppers – Choose your favorite colors for a vibrant dish!
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly!
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce – Adjust the heat to your liking!
- 1 cup shredded cheese – I love using a blend of cheddar and mozzarella!
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing – This adds a creamy balance to the spiciness!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a drizzle to keep those peppers nice and moist!
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! You want to set it to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your stuffed peppers cook evenly and get that delicious, slightly crispy exterior. So, while you’re prepping your ingredients, those oven walls will be warming up, ready to embrace your tasty creation!
Prepare the Bell Peppers
Now, grab your bell peppers and cut the tops off, about an inch from the top. This gives you a nice opening to fill them later. Don’t forget to scoop out the seeds and membranes inside—this is key! It not only makes them look great but also allows the stuffing to really shine. Trust me, you don’t want any of that bitter stuff in your delicious mixture!
Mix the Stuffing
In a large mixing bowl, combine those tender, cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the shredded cheese. I always like to use my hands or a fork to mix it all together. Make sure everything’s well-combined; you want each bite to be bursting with flavor! This is where that spicy, creamy goodness comes to life, so mix it until it’s all evenly distributed.
Stuff the Peppers
Time to fill those beautiful peppers! Carefully spoon the chicken mixture into each pepper, packing it in gently. You want them to be full but not overflowing—think of them as little flavor bombs just waiting to explode in your mouth! Place them upright in a baking dish so they can stand tall and proud.
Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Now, let’s get those stuffed peppers in the oven! Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each pepper. This helps keep them moist and adds a lovely flavor. Bake them for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. Oh, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Just when you think it can’t get any better, here comes the cheese! Take out the peppers and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. This final touch is what makes each bite ooey, gooey, and utterly delicious!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, it’s always good to have a rough idea of what you’re eating, right? Just keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these numbers are just estimates. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect per serving (1 stuffed pepper):
- Calories: Approximately 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
So, now you can enjoy your buffalo chicken stuffed peppers with a little more knowledge about what’s in them! Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in under an hour!
- Packed with bold flavors from the buffalo sauce that keep your taste buds dancing.
- Healthy and nutritious, thanks to the colorful bell peppers and protein-packed chicken.
- Customizable! You can adjust the heat level or add your favorite veggies to the stuffing.
- Perfect for meal prep—just make a batch and enjoy throughout the week!
- Great for game day gatherings or casual family dinners; they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
- And let’s not forget that ooey-gooey melted cheese on top—seriously, who can resist?
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your buffalo chicken stuffed peppers turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Choose the Right Peppers: Opt for firm, fresh bell peppers. If they’re a bit wrinkly or soft, they might not hold up well during baking.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leave a little space at the top. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully without overflowing everywhere.
- Adjust the Spice: Not everyone has the same heat tolerance! If you’re cooking for a crowd, consider using mild buffalo sauce or a mix of buffalo sauce and regular hot sauce to balance the flavor.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to add chopped veggies like celery or carrots to the filling for extra crunch and nutrients. Just make sure they’re finely diced so they cook evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your peppers as they bake. You want them tender but not mushy, and the filling should be heated through.
- Let Them Rest: Once they’re out of the oven, let the stuffed peppers sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to handle!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your delicious buffalo chicken stuffed peppers! Happy cooking!
Variations to Try
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your buffalo chicken stuffed peppers! Here are some delicious variations I absolutely love:
- Spicy Southwest: Add some black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the chicken mixture for a zesty twist. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick!
- Veggie Lover’s: Toss in finely chopped veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the stuffing. This not only adds more nutrients but also a lovely texture!
- BBQ Twist: Swap out the buffalo sauce for your favorite barbecue sauce and mix in some diced red onion. It gives a sweet and smoky flavor that’s just divine!
- Buffalo Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option, try using roasted cauliflower instead of chicken. Just chop it into small pieces, and follow the same mixing process—trust me, it’s a game changer!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or chives into the stuffing for a fresh flavor boost. A squeeze of lime juice can really brighten things up too!
- Cheesy Spinach: Fold in some cream cheese or ricotta along with the chicken for an incredibly creamy filling. You can also add some sautéed spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Feel free to experiment and find your own perfect combination! Each variation brings something unique to the table, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these amazing buffalo chicken stuffed peppers, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside them to create a delightful meal experience! Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that perfectly complement the spicy, savory goodness of the peppers:
- Crispy Celery Sticks: The classic pairing with buffalo flavors! Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping—it’s a crunchy, cooling contrast that’s just perfect.
- Simple Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the stuffed peppers. It adds a lovely crunch and freshness!
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy, sweet, and oh-so-delicious. These are a fantastic side that brings a bit of sweetness to the spicy dish. Plus, they’re super easy to make in the oven!
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love a side of warm, toasty garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any leftover buffalo sauce or ranch dressing that might be lingering on your plate!
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and tang, which contrasts beautifully with the heat of the peppers. It’s like a little party in your mouth!
- Vegetable Platter: An assortment of fresh veggies like bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, and cucumber slices can provide a refreshing, healthy bite between the spicy stuffed peppers.
With these side dishes, you’ll create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. Mix and match based on your mood or occasion, and enjoy every savory bite of your buffalo chicken stuffed peppers!
For more delicious recipes, check out this chicken category or explore soup recipes for a comforting addition to your meal!
Z nadrukami
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: 7 Irresistible Flavor Bombs
- Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
A delicious and spicy dish featuring bell peppers stuffed with buffalo chicken.
Składniki
- 4 bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, and half of the cheese.
- Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
- Place the peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Uwagi
- Use your preferred level of buffalo sauce for spiciness.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the stuffing.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 stuffed pepper
- Kalorie: 300
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 15g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 7g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 6g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 10g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Słowa kluczowe: buffalo chicken stuffed peppers
