Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: A Spicy, Easy, and Healthy Meal

Craving the bold flavors of buffalo chicken but want a healthier twist? These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are the perfect solution! Packed with tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and tangy buffalo sauce, all stuffed inside sweet bell peppers, this dish is low-carb, protein-rich, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting game day, or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy, customizable, and guaranteed to please.

The History and Popularity of Buffalo Chicken

Buffalo chicken traces its roots back to 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, where the iconic Buffalo wings were first created. According to legend, the owner Teressa Bellissimo whipped up the first batch of wings coated in a spicy, buttery sauce as a late-night snack for her son and his friends. This simple creation sparked a nationwide obsession with Buffalo-style flavors.

Since then, the spicy, tangy sauce has become a staple in American cuisine, inspiring everything from dips to pizzas—and now, stuffed peppers! What makes Buffalo sauce so universally loved is its perfect balance of heat, acidity, and richness. The combination of hot sauce with butter creates a flavor that’s bold but not overwhelming, making it incredibly versatile for different dishes.

This recipe takes that classic flavor profile and transforms it into a well-balanced, veggie-packed meal that’s as nutritious as it is tasty. By stuffing the mixture into bell peppers, we’re adding natural sweetness and extra nutrients while keeping the dish low-carb and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy & Low-Carb – By using fresh bell peppers as edible bowls, we’re eliminating the need for bread or tortillas while adding extra vitamins and fiber.

Quick & Easy – With minimal prep and just about 35 minutes of cooking time, this is a perfect weeknight dinner solution. Using rotisserie chicken makes it even faster!

Meal-Prep Friendly – These stuffed peppers hold up well in the fridge, making them ideal for make-ahead lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Customizable Heat Level – You can easily adjust the spice level by using mild or extra-hot buffalo sauce, or by mixing in some ranch dressing to tame the heat.

Protein-Packed – With chicken as the star ingredient and added cheese, this dish delivers a satisfying protein boost that will keep you full for hours.

Crowd-Pleasing – The familiar Buffalo chicken flavor makes this a hit with both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or game day gatherings.

Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy them as a main dish, appetizer, or even sliced up for party snacks.

Ingredients & Equipment: Everything You Need

For the Buffalo Chicken Filling

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
1/2 cup buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot is classic, but use your favorite brand)
4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature for easy mixing)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar adds great flavor)
1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional but recommended for authentic Buffalo flavor)
1/4 cup finely diced celery (adds refreshing crunch)
2 green onions (thinly sliced, both white and green parts)
1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
1/2 tsp onion powder (enhances the savory notes)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (adds subtle depth)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color – red, yellow, orange, or green)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for that perfect golden top)
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish and freshness)

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish (or similar sized oven-safe dish)
Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)

Pro Tip: For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses. The yogurt adds a pleasant tang that complements the Buffalo sauce beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions with Expert Details

1. Preparing the Peppers

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking throughout the baking process. Select bell peppers that are firm with smooth skin and vibrant color – they should stand upright easily when placed on a flat surface.

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice about 1/2 inch off the top of each pepper (save these tops – you can dice them and add to the filling if you like). Remove the seeds and white membranes from inside the peppers. A small spoon or your fingers work well for this task.

Important Tip: If your peppers won’t stand upright in the baking dish, you can slice a very thin piece off the bottom to create a flat surface, being careful not to cut through and create a hole.

2. Making the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients:

Start with the shredded chicken (if using rotisserie chicken, remove all skin and bones first)
Add the buffalo sauce (adjust amount based on your preferred spice level)
Incorporate the softened cream cheese (microwave for 15 seconds if needed to soften)
Mix in the cheddar cheese, blue cheese (if using), diced celery, and green onions
Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper

Use a sturdy spoon or rubber spatula to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be cohesive but not overly wet. If it seems too dry, add a tablespoon more buffalo sauce; if too wet, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or almond flour to absorb excess moisture.

3. Stuffing the Peppers

Place the prepared peppers upright in your baking dish. Using a spoon or your hands (clean hands work great for this!), generously fill each pepper with the Buffalo chicken mixture, pressing down gently as you go to eliminate air pockets.

Fill them nearly to the top, leaving about 1/4 inch space at the top. This prevents overflow during baking. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper, creating a nice cheesy crust.

Presentation Tip: For a more elegant presentation, you can slice the peppers in half lengthwise and fill them that way. This creates more surface area for the cheese to melt and brown.

4. Baking to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steamy environment that helps cook the peppers through without drying out the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown in spots. The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape when pierced with a fork.

Doneness Check: The filling should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) if you’re using a meat thermometer. The peppers should be tender but not mushy.

5. Garnishing and Serving

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly for cleaner slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve with cooling accompaniments like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a simple yogurt dip to balance the heat. For a complete meal, pair with:

A crisp green salad
Roasted vegetables
Cauliflower rice
Celery and carrot sticks

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

🔥 Too Spicy? If the heat level is too intense for your taste, you can:

Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of ranch dressing to the filling
Use a milder hot sauce or cut the buffalo sauce with melted butter
Add an extra ounce of cream cheese to mellow the heat

💧 Peppers Too Firm? If you prefer softer peppers:

Pre-bake the hollowed peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing
Choose red, orange, or yellow peppers which are naturally sweeter and softer than green
Increase the covered baking time by 5-10 minutes

🧀 Cheese Not Browning Enough? For a more golden top:

Switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch closely!)
Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for better browning
Sprinkle a light dusting of Parmesan over the top before baking

🍗 No Cooked Chicken Available? Easy substitutes:

Quickly sauté diced chicken breast in a pan with a little oil
Use canned chicken (drained well)
Substitute with shredded turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version

🥶 Filling Too Wet? If your mixture seems overly moist:

Drain any excess liquid from the chicken
Add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or almond flour
Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before stuffing to allow absorption

Variations & Customizations

🌱 Vegetarian/Vegan Option

Replace chicken with cauliflower florets (roasted and chopped)
Use chickpeas or white beans for plant-based protein
Substitute dairy products with vegan alternatives (vegan cream cheese, dairy-free cheese)

🌶 Spicier Versions

Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning
Use extra-hot buffalo sauce or add a dash of hot sauce

🧀 Cheese Lover’s Dream

Add pepper jack cheese for extra kick
Mix gouda or smoked cheddar for deeper flavor
Top with extra cheese blend before baking

🍚 Non Low-Carb Options

Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meal
Add wild rice blend directly to the filling
Mix in diced potatoes (par-cooked) with the chicken

🥗 Lighter Versions

Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese
Use reduced-fat cheeses
Increase the celery and add shredded carrots for more veggies

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Game Day Spread:

Slice baked peppers into rings for easy finger food
Arrange on a platter with celery sticks and carrot curls
Serve with small bowls of ranch and blue cheese dressing for dipping

Elegant Dinner Presentation:

Use multi-colored peppers for visual appeal
Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction for contrast

Meal Prep Style:

Portion into individual containers with sides
Top with extra fresh herbs when reheating
Include dipping sauce in small separate containers

Family-Style Serving:

Bake in a large baking dish with all peppers touching
Top with extra cheese for a pull-apart effect
Serve directly from the baking dish at the table

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigerator Storage:

Cool completely before storing (about 1 hour)
Place in airtight containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap
Will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator
Reheat in microwave (2-3 minutes) or oven (10-15 mins at 350°F)

Freezing Instructions:

Freeze before baking for best results
Prepare peppers but don’t bake
Wrap individually in plastic wrap then foil
Place in freezer-safe bags or containers
Will keep for 2-3 months in freezer
To cook from frozen: Add 10-15 minutes to baking time

Meal Prep Advice:

Make filling up to 2 days ahead
Store filling separately from peppers
Stuff and bake when ready to serve for freshest results
Consider prepping multiple batches for freezer meals

FAQ Section

Q: Can I use frozen bell peppers?
A: While fresh peppers are ideal for texture, you can use frozen in a pinch. Thaw completely and pat very dry before stuffing. They may be slightly softer after baking but will still taste great.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. The microwave works too (about 2 minutes), but the peppers may become softer.

Q: Can I make this in an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! Cook at 370°F for about 15-18 minutes. You may need to cover with foil for the first 10 minutes to prevent excessive browning.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Increase the buffalo sauce slightly for more moisture.

Q: What other vegetables could I add?
A: Try mixing in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. Just be sure to sauté watery veggies first to remove excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are more than just a recipe – they’re a flavor-packed, nutritious, and versatile meal solution that fits into any lifestyle. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, looking for easy meal prep ideas, or simply craving the bold taste of Buffalo chicken in a new form, this dish delivers on all fronts.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its perfect balance – the sweetness of the peppers complements the spicy filling, while the creamy cheeses round out the flavors. It’s a complete meal in one colorful package that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Ready to make it your own? Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, spice levels, or additional veggies. That’s the joy of cooking – making each dish uniquely yours. We’d love to see your creations! Tag your photos online and share how you made this recipe special for you and your family. Happy cooking!