These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a spicy twist on a classic dish! Tender bell peppers are filled with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce. Yum!
Perfect for game day or a weekday dinner! I love how colorful they are on my plate. Plus, they make a fun way to enjoy a messy favorite without all the fuss. 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors—red, yellow, and green! If you’re not a fan of bell peppers, you could use zucchini or mushrooms as a base instead.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, saving time while being delicious! If you’re vegetarian, swap it for shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for a hearty filling.
Buffalo Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice! You can adjust the heat level by using milder or spicier sauces or even use a homemade buffalo sauce if you prefer.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess! For a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese or a cashew cream blend for a similar texture.
Cheddar & Blue Cheese: I love the combination of sharp cheddar and blue cheese. If you don’t like blue cheese, feta or goat cheese work well too. Feel free to use a non-dairy cheese if needed.
How Do I Get the Peppers Cooked Just Right?
Getting the bell peppers tender while keeping their shape is key. To do this, pre-cook them in the oven:
- Cut them in half and remove seeds.
- Arrange them cut side up in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This helps them soften before adding the filling.
- Remove the foil for the last few minutes to allow the filling to brown slightly.
This method makes sure the peppers are perfectly cooked and holds all that yummy filling without falling apart!
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, plus extra for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then around 30-35 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at about 45-50 minutes total from start to finish. Quick, tasty, and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake those peppers!
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers:
Take your bell peppers and slice them in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and any membranes inside. Arrange them cut side up in a baking dish so they are ready for stuffing.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo hot sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the green onions, and blue cheese crumbles if you’re using them. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s all combined and creamy. Your filling is ready!
4. Stuff the Peppers:
Now, generously stuff each pepper half with the buffalo chicken mixture. Pack it in well so each bite is flavorful and full!
5. Bake the Peppers:
Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
6. Brown the Top:
After baking, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 5 minutes. This lets the top get a little crispy and delicious!
7. Finish the Dish:
Once done, take the peppers out of the oven. Drizzle some ranch or blue cheese dressing over the tops, and sprinkle with the remaining green onions and fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your spicy, creamy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are ready! Serve them warm and enjoy this tasty dish with family or friends.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the frozen chicken before you shred it. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover them with foil and store them in the fridge. Bake them when you’re ready! Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
What Can I Serve With Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers?
These stuffed peppers are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a side salad, some crunchy veggies, or even some tortilla chips for a complete meal!