Oh my goodness, let me tell you about buffalo chicken stuffed peppers! These beauties are a game-changer in the world of comfort food. Imagine biting into a sweet, tender bell pepper that’s bursting with a spicy, creamy chicken filling that has just the right amount of kick from that zesty buffalo sauce. It’s like a party in your mouth! I remember the first time I made these for a gathering with friends—I was nervous about the spice level, but they were a huge hit! Everyone loved them, and I had to share the recipe because they simply couldn’t get enough. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be adding them to your go-to dinner rotation. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients List
- 4 bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Prepping the Peppers
Alright, let’s get those bell peppers ready! Start by cutting the tops off each pepper—just slice a little off the top so you can easily access the insides. Make sure to remove all the seeds and the white membranes inside, as they can be bitter and tough. It’s super important to do this step because you want those peppers to be sweet and delicious, not crunchy and bitter when you bite into them. Trust me, taking the time to prep them right makes all the difference!
Making the Filling
Now, onto the good stuff! In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. I like to use a spatula or fork to mix everything together until it’s all nice and creamy. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to elevate that flavor! Give it a good stir until it’s well blended. The mixture should be rich, zesty, and oh-so-tempting!
Stuffing the Peppers
Time to stuff those peppers! Take each pepper and fill it generously with the chicken mixture. I usually use a spoon to pack it in there, but you can also use your hands if that’s easier. Just make sure to fill each one evenly, so they all cook up beautifully. You want to see that delicious filling peeking out of the tops—makes them look so inviting!
Baking the Peppers
Once your peppers are stuffed, place them upright in a baking dish. Pop them into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be incredible! After you take them out, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the filling a chance to settle a bit. You’ll want to savor every bite without burning your tongue!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh bell peppers for the best flavor and texture—look for ones that feel firm and have a vibrant color.
- If you want to control the heat, start with a little less buffalo sauce and add more to taste as you mix the filling.
- For an extra creamy filling, let the cream cheese sit out for a bit to soften before mixing—it makes blending so much easier!
- Don’t skip the seasoning! A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can really elevate the overall taste of your filling.
- Feel free to top the stuffed peppers with some extra shredded cheese before baking for a melty, gooey finish that everyone will love.
- If you’re making these ahead of time, prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- To ensure even cooking, make sure your peppers are standing upright in the baking dish—this helps them cook evenly and hold all that delicious filling inside!
Variations of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Getting creative with your buffalo chicken stuffed peppers is part of the fun! Here are some delicious variations to consider:
- Cheesy Twist: Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick, or use a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
- Veggie-Loaded: Mix in some chopped spinach or diced zucchini to the filling for added nutrition and color. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
- BBQ Flavor: For a sweet and smoky twist, try using BBQ sauce instead of buffalo sauce. It gives a whole new vibe while still being super tasty!
- Creamy Ranch: Add a little ranch seasoning to the filling for a creamy, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the buffalo chicken.
- Quinoa Boost: Mix in some cooked quinoa to the filling for a heartier meal. It adds texture and makes the dish even more filling.
- Stuffed with Love: Experiment with different types of peppers like poblano, Anaheim, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a version that suits your taste buds. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, so you’ve made these delicious buffalo chicken stuffed peppers, and now you’ve got some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). First off, let them cool completely before you store them. You don’t want any condensation messing up their tasty goodness!
To store, just place the stuffed peppers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, you can reheat them right from the fridge or freezer. If they’re frozen, let them thaw overnight in the fridge first. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the peppers in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them from drying out, and bake for about 20-25 minutes if thawed (or 30-35 minutes if frozen) until they’re heated through and the filling is nice and warm. You can also microwave them if you’re in a hurry—just be sure to cover them to avoid splatter, and heat them in short intervals until hot. Enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite again! Trust me, they’re just as delicious the second time around!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each serving of these delectable buffalo chicken stuffed peppers. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use:
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
These stuffed peppers are not only packed with flavor but also deliver a good amount of protein to keep you satisfied. Plus, they’re relatively low in carbs, making them a great option for a healthy dinner. Enjoy this guilt-free indulgence, and feel good about what you’re eating!
FAQ Section
Can I adjust the spice level of the buffalo chicken stuffed peppers?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, start by using less buffalo sauce and gradually add more until it reaches your desired heat. You can also mix in some sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to the filling to tone down the spice a bit. Trust me, it works wonders!
Can I make these stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I often prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day or two in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This way, you can have a hassle-free dinner ready to go when you need it!
What kind of chicken should I use?
I recommend using cooked shredded chicken for the best texture. You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even poach your own. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients!
Can I freeze buffalo chicken stuffed peppers?
Yes, freezing is a great option! Just make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping each pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier!
What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
You can get creative here! Adding some chopped spinach, diced zucchini, or even black beans can boost the nutrition and flavor of your stuffed peppers. Just make sure to chop them small so they mix well with the chicken.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Definitely! While I love the classic cheddar, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for some extra heat or mozzarella for a melty texture. A blend of cheeses can also add a unique flavor profile to your dish!
How do I know when the peppers are done baking?
You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender and the filling is bubbly. A fork should easily pierce through the pepper without too much resistance. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this process, so trust your nose too!
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers that will wow your taste buds
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Calories
Description
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are a spicy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with zesty buffalo sauce, all stuffed inside sweet bell peppers.
Ingrédients
- 4 bell peppers
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the chicken mixture.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce.
- For extra flavor, top with additional cheese before baking.
- These can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 300
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: buffalo chicken stuffed peppers, stuffed peppers, chicken recipe, healthy dinner
