Zesty Buffalo Chicken Pepper Boats

Transform your favorite spicy and savory buffalo chicken flavors into a wholesome, satisfying meal with these incredible Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers. This recipe offers a brilliant low-carb twist on classic buffalo chicken wings, perfectly nestled within crisp, vibrant bell peppers. It’s an ideal dish for those seeking a healthy yet incredibly flavorful option, especially for individuals following a keto or gluten-free diet. Instead of indulging in deep-fried chicken, we opt for lean, tender shredded chicken breast, expertly blended with a creamy, addictive buffalo sauce and rich cheese. The result is a high-protein, flavor-packed meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.

These stuffed buffalo chicken peppers are designed for convenience, coming together quickly for a fuss-free cooking experience. They are also an excellent choice for meal prepping, as you can easily assemble them in advance and bake just before you’re ready to serve. This makes them perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests without the last-minute rush. Each bite delivers an explosion of bold, zesty flavor that truly satisfies your cravings in a healthy way. The natural sweetness of the bell peppers beautifully complements the creamy, spicy chicken filling, creating a harmonious balance that will delight your taste buds. Enjoy a substantial meal that’s naturally gluten-free, keto-friendly, and brimming with protein.

If you’re a devoted fan of buffalo chicken and are looking for more innovative ways to enjoy this iconic flavor, be sure to explore my other popular recipes:

• Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
• Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

Why These Healthy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Are a Must-Try

Prepare to fall in love with this recipe for so many compelling reasons. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a smart, delicious solution for healthy eating without compromising on flavor.

• Effortlessly Healthy: This dish stands out as a genuinely wholesome meal. It’s perfectly suited for those on a Keto diet, with its low-carb profile, and is entirely gluten-free. By using lean chicken and fresh vegetables, you’re making a conscious choice for a nutritious dinner that supports your dietary goals without sacrificing taste.
• Remarkably Simple to Prepare: Forget complicated recipes that take hours. The preparation for these stuffed peppers is incredibly straightforward, requiring only minutes of your time. This recipe is also fantastic for advanced meal prep, allowing you to assemble everything ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready for a warm, delicious meal.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Everyone adores the robust, tangy, and spicy kick of buffalo chicken, and this recipe delivers that beloved taste in spades. It’s designed to satisfy all your buffalo chicken cravings, offering the same addictive flavor without the added guilt of chips or deep-fried chicken. The creamy, cheesy filling combined with the vibrant heat of the hot sauce creates a truly irresistible experience.
• High in Protein & Satisfying: Packed with shredded chicken and cheese, these peppers are an excellent source of protein, ensuring you feel full and satisfied long after your meal. This makes them ideal for athletes, those looking to manage their weight, or anyone seeking a substantial and nourishing dinner.
• Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer a mild hint of spice or a fiery kick, this recipe is easily adaptable. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to perfectly match your heat preference. You can also experiment with different cheeses or add extra vegetables to make it truly your own.

Essential Ingredients for Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Peppers

Crafting these delectable stuffed peppers requires a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and some tips for selection:

• Bell Peppers: For a visually appealing and flavorful dish, I highly recommend using a mix of tri-color bell peppers – think red, yellow, and orange. These varieties offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to green bell peppers, which can sometimes be slightly bitter. Make sure to cut them in half lengthwise and carefully remove all seeds and membranes to create perfect ‘boats’ for your filling.
• Rotisserie Chicken: This is your secret weapon for a quick and easy meal! Grocery store rotisserie chickens are not only incredibly flavorful and affordable but also serve as a fantastic kitchen shortcut. Simply shred the cooked chicken, and you’re good to go. If you prefer, you can certainly roast your own chicken breast or boil and shred chicken breast for this recipe.
• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise to add a rich, creamy base to the filling. For a lighter alternative, feel free to substitute with lite mayonnaise. It binds the ingredients together and contributes to the smooth texture of the buffalo chicken mixture.
• Hot Sauce: The heart of the buffalo flavor! Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is a traditional and highly recommended choice for authentic buffalo taste. However, don’t hesitate to use your preferred brand. Remember, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the heat level, making it as mild or as fiery as you desire.
• Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds an irresistible creaminess and tang that perfectly balances the spice of the hot sauce. For easy blending and a smooth consistency, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. Low-fat cream cheese can also be used as a substitute if you’re looking to reduce fat content.
• Seasonings: A simple yet powerful combination of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper enhances the overall depth of flavor in the chicken mixture. These staples bring out the best in the other ingredients, creating a well-rounded and delicious filling.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a lovely stretchy, cheesy layer on top of the stuffed peppers. While pre-shredded cheese works, freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly and has better flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: A classic pairing with buffalo flavors! Drizzle ranch dressing over the baked peppers just before serving for a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy filling.
• Blue Cheese: Crumbled blue cheese is an essential garnish for true buffalo chicken enthusiasts. Its pungent, savory notes offer a wonderful counterpoint to the creamy, spicy chicken.
• Fresh Chives: Finely chopped chives provide a fresh, mild oniony flavor and a pop of green color, making for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Making these delicious buffalo chicken stuffed peppers is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a perfect, flavorful meal every time.

• Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup and Peppers. Begin by preheating your oven to a consistent 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature when your peppers are ready to go in. Take a rectangular baking dish, ideally one large enough to comfortably hold your bell pepper halves in a single layer. Pour a small splash of water, about ¼ to ½ cup, into the bottom of the dish. This creates a steamy environment that helps soften the peppers and prevents them from drying out during baking. Carefully arrange your prepared bell pepper halves, cut side up, in the baking dish. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.

• Step 2: Create the Irresistible Chicken Filling. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine all the elements for your buffalo chicken filling. This includes your cooked, shredded chicken (whether rotisserie or homemade), creamy mayonnaise, bold hot sauce, softened room-temperature cream cheese, fragrant onion powder, savory garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Using a sturdy spoon or spatula, mix all these ingredients thoroughly until they are uniformly combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining, and that the hot sauce is evenly distributed for consistent flavor in every bite.

• Step 3: Fill and Top Your Peppers. Now it’s time to bring your dish together! Carefully spoon the prepared buffalo chicken mixture into each bell pepper half. Don’t be shy – pile it high, ensuring each pepper is generously filled to create a hearty serving. Once all the peppers are filled, generously sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. This cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust during baking, adding another layer of deliciousness.

• Step 4: Bake to Perfection. Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the peppers and ensure they become tender while the filling heats through. Place the covered dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After this initial baking period, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes. During this final phase, the cheese on top will melt, become gloriously bubbly, and turn a beautiful golden brown, and the peppers will finish cooking to a perfect tender-crisp texture.
• Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately. Once your stuffed peppers are golden and cooked through, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two. To complete this delectable meal, generously drizzle ranch dressing over the hot, cheesy peppers. Then, scatter crumbled blue cheese and freshly chopped chives over the top for an authentic buffalo flavor experience and a fresh finish. Serve immediately and savor every bite of this flavorful and healthy dish!

Expert Tips for Perfect Keto Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Achieving culinary perfection is all about the details! Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your keto buffalo chicken stuffed peppers turn out absolutely delicious and flawlessly executed every single time:

• Pepper Preparation Variations: While cutting the bell peppers in half vertically creates ideal “boats” for filling, you can also opt to cut the tops off horizontally if you prefer a different presentation. Experiment to see which method you like best for serving.
• Accelerate Cooking Time: If you’re pressed for time or want exceptionally tender peppers, consider precooking them slightly. You can roast the empty bell pepper halves in the oven for about 10-15 minutes while you’re preparing the chicken filling. This head start ensures the peppers are perfectly tender by the time the filling is hot and bubbly.
• Smart Chicken Choices: To significantly save time and effort, make use of a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Its seasoned and tender meat is perfect for shredding and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your filling. Alternatively, you can cook and shred your own chicken breast or thighs in advance.
• Advanced Meal Prep for Busy Schedules: Cooked and shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an ideal component for advanced meal preparation. You can also prepare the entire chicken mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. When ready to eat, simply stuff fresh peppers and bake!
• Appetizer Alert: For a delightful party appetizer or a lighter snack, try using mini snacking peppers instead of large bell peppers. These bite-sized versions are just as flavorful and incredibly fun to serve.
• Hot Sauce Selection: Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce is a traditional and highly recommended choice for authentic buffalo flavor. However, feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. Different brands will offer varying levels of heat and subtle flavor nuances.
• Customize the Heat Level: The beauty of buffalo chicken is its versatility. Easily adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce you add to the filling. Start with the recommended amount and add more gradually if you like it spicier.
• Boost the Heat (Optional): For those who crave extra fire, incorporate a small pinch of cayenne pepper or a few crushed red pepper flakes into the chicken mixture. This will amp up the heat without significantly altering the flavor profile.
• Achieve Golden, Bubbly Cheese: For a perfectly golden and irresistibly bubbly cheese topping, consider broiling the peppers for 3-4 minutes during the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on them, as broilers can quickly burn food.
• Perfect Pairings: Always serve these delectable stuffed peppers with a generous drizzle of creamy ranch dressing. For an authentic experience, top them with a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese – the tangy, pungent notes complement the buffalo flavor beautifully. Fresh chives also add a lovely fresh finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Here are answers to some common questions you might have about making, storing, and serving these delicious buffalo chicken stuffed peppers:

Discover More Stuffed Peppers and Chicken Creations

If you loved this recipe, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of my inventive and flavorful stuffed pepper and chicken recipes that are perfect for any meal occasion:

• Healthy Stuffed Peppers
• Fajita Stuffed Chicken
• Lemon Pepper Honey Wings
• Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
• Pesto Stuffed Chicken

I genuinely hope you enjoy exploring all the delicious recipes I share, including this fantastic Healthy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers. It’s truly a delight to bring wholesome, flavorful meals to your kitchen. Please give this recipe a try, savor every bite, and consider rating it and sharing your experience with friends and family!

If you whip up this recipe and absolutely love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a star rating and a comment below to share your feedback. Don’t forget to use my hashtag #CookinWithMima when you share your delicious creations on Instagram – I can’t wait to see them! And for all my latest social posts, kitchen tips, and new recipes, be sure to follow me at Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK |INSTAGRAM |PINTEREST. Happy cooking!

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Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Pepper

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are piled with an easy-to-make, creamy, low-carb filling that tastes like everyone’s favorite buffalo chicken wings. Pile everything into healthy bell peppers for an easy meal that’s big on flavor and high in protein.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 3 medium tri-color bell peppers, cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed
• 3 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup hot sauce
• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ⅓ cup crumbled blue cheese, to garnish
• Ranch dressing, to serve
• Chives, to garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Add a splash of water to a rectangular baking dish and arrange the bell peppers and keep it aside.
2. In a large bowl combine the cooked shredded chicken, mayonnaise, hot sauce, cream cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it well.
3. Fill the bell peppers with the prepared chicken mixture and sprinkle a layer of cheese on top of the bell peppers.
4. Cover the aluminum foil over the baking dish and bake the peppers for 20 minutes, remove the cover and bake further for 15 minutes until the cheese has melted and the peppers are cooked through.
5. Once done, drizzle the ranch dressing over the stuffed peppers and garnish with blue cheese and chives and serve.

Notes

• I prefer to cut the peppers in half vertically, but you can cut the tops off if you prefer that presentation.
• Want to speed things up? Precook the peppers in the oven while you prepare the chicken filling.
• Save yourself time and purchase a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
• Cooked shredded chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days, so make it in advance for easy meal prep.
• Use mini snacking peppers and serve this as an appetizer.
• Frank’s Hot Sauce is a traditional choice for all things buffalo but use your favorite hot sauce.
• Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the amount of hot sauce.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for even more heat.
• Broil the peppers for 3-4 minutes just before serving for golden, bubbly cheese.
• Drizzle with ranch dressing and top with crumbled blue cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 1791mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2071IU | Vitamin C: 91mg | Calcium: 186mg | Iron: 1mg