Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch with vibrant flavors and a cozy feel, this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Combining the fiery tang of buffalo sauce with the creamy comfort of ranch and melty mozzarella, all nestled in sweet bell peppers, this recipe is an irresistible weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s fresh, filling, and infused with just the right amount of spice to keep your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is how straightforward and approachable the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role in creating a balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness that makes every bite unforgettable.
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded: These colorful vessels provide a sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the spicy filling.
- 1 pound ground chicken: A lean, tender protein that soaks up all the spicy buffalo flavor perfectly.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The heart of the dish’s signature tangy heat—adjust the amount to your spice preference.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Adds creaminess and cools down the heat for a perfectly balanced bite.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a luscious, gooey topping that brings everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and building the base of flavor with onions and garlic.
- 1/2 onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that complements the buffalo spices.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing and balancing all the flavors.
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish: Fresh herbs give a bright, herbal finish that lifts the dish.
How to Make Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, carefully slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Nestle the pepper halves face up in a baking dish—this way they’ll bake evenly and hold the filling perfectly.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a savory foundation that enhances the overall flavor of the filling.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper as it cooks. The chicken should be nicely browned with those sautéed onions and garlic mixed in.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Mixture
Stir in the hot sauce and ranch dressing, giving everything a thorough mix so the chicken is evenly coated with that irresistible buffalo flavor. This combo delivers heat balanced with cool creaminess, resulting in a filling that strikes the perfect spicy note every time.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers and Top with Cheese
Generously fill each pepper half with the buffalo chicken mixture, pressing lightly to pack the filling. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each pepper to create a golden, bubbly layer when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The bell peppers will soften while still maintaining some bite, and the cheese on top will melt into a deliciously bubbly topping that seals in all the spicy, creamy goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro on top for a fresh, herbal lift. The garnish not only enhances the look but adds a pop of color and flavor that complements the richness of the stuffed peppers.
How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions and cilantro are classic garnishes that bring brightness and a touch of crunch to every bite. If you like, a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side will add an extra creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t compete with its bold flavors. Consider serving with celery sticks for crunch and freshness, a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette, or even a cooling cucumber yogurt raita.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party or family gathering, try placing the stuffed peppers on a large platter arranged in a circle, garnished with extra herbs and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. You can also scoop the filling into mini bell peppers for bite-sized appetizers that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well and make for a fantastic quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble and wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze after baking, cool completely and follow the same packaging method.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain that gooey cheese texture and tender pepper. Alternatively, microwave them covered on medium power, but the oven method helps the best texture hold up.
FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers for this recipe?
Yes! While bell peppers are ideal for their sweetness and sturdy texture, you can experiment with poblano or banana peppers for a different flavor profile and heat level.
Is ground chicken necessary, or can I use other meats?
Ground chicken works great because it’s lean and mild, allowing the buffalo sauce to shine. However, ground turkey or even ground beef can be used if you prefer, just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the amount and type of hot sauce you use. Starting with 1/2 cup of a medium-heat sauce like Frank’s is perfect for a balanced kick, but feel free to add more or less based on your spice tolerance.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground chicken for cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat substitute and adjust seasonings for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What can I serve with these stuffed peppers for a complete meal?
A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or some hearty grains like quinoa or brown rice make excellent companions, rounding out the meal and balancing the spice.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is a total winner for anyone who loves fiery, flavorful food in a neat, portable package. It’s easy enough for a weekday night yet impressive enough for sharing with friends. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe box. So grab those peppers, crank up the heat, and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and flavorful meal featuring ground chicken coated in tangy hot sauce and creamy ranch dressing, all stuffed into vibrant bell pepper halves and baked to perfection with melted mozzarella cheese on top. This dish brings together the classic flavors of buffalo chicken in a nutritious, low-carb stuffed pepper format that’s perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Cilantro (for garnish)
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Condiments and Liquids
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the halved and seeded bell peppers upright in a baking dish, ready to be filled.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook thoroughly, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the hot sauce and ranch dressing, mixing well to evenly coat the cooked chicken in the buffalo flavor.
- Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper half generously with the buffalo chicken mixture. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro before serving warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount of hot sauce.
- Use gluten-free ranch dressing to make this dish gluten-free.
- Ground turkey can be used as an alternative to ground chicken.
- For an extra cheesy topping, add some shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese along with the mozzarella.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
