If you love bold flavors and crave a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe will become your new favorite. It takes the classic zing of buffalo chicken and transforms it by stuffing it inside vibrant, tender bell peppers, creating a beautiful combination of heat, creaminess, and freshness. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner that packs a punch yet feels wholesome and colorful on the plate. With just the right amount of spice and melty cheese topping, each bite delivers a satisfying experience that’s both filling and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this dish, but don’t worry—everything here is simple and straightforward. Each component plays an important role, from the juicy bell peppers that hold all the goodness to the creamy ranch dressing that balances the spicy hot sauce perfectly.
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded: These colorful vessels provide a crisp, mild base that contrasts beautifully with the spicy filling.
- 1 pound ground chicken: A lean protein that soaks up flavor and keeps the dish hearty yet light.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot): The signature heat and tang that is essential for authentic buffalo flavor.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: Adds creaminess and subtle herbaceous notes that cool down the spice.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to a bubbly, golden topping that pulls everything together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing onions and garlic to develop that savory base.
- 1/2 onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish: Fresh herbs provide a burst of color and brightness at the end.
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 that’s warming up, slice your bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. This will create roomy, natural “bowls” for the filling. Place them cut side up in a baking dish so they’re ready to be filled later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they turn translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks a delicious base flavor that forms the backbone of the filling.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Break it apart as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and is fully cooked through. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to season the meat just right before you move on.
Step 4: Mix in the Signature Sauces
Now comes the magic: stir in the hot sauce and ranch dressing to the cooked ground chicken, mixing thoroughly so every bite is coated in that spicy, creamy buffalo goodness that makes this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe so irresistible.
Step 5: Stuff and Top
Fill each pepper half generously with the buffalo chicken mixture. Once they’re all stuffed, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This will melt during baking to create a luscious, golden crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender but still hold their shape and the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over the peppers. These garnishes add a fresh, crisp pop of flavor and beautiful color to your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe that’s sure to impress at the dinner table.
How to Serve Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond chopped green onions and cilantro, you can add a drizzle of ranch dressing or even some crumbled blue cheese for an extra creamy, tangy layer that pairs perfectly with the spicy filling. A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can also brighten things up wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, light and fresh sides like a crisp green salad or crunchy celery sticks complement the flavors nicely. Roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa salad also work well for a balanced dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual get-together, serve your Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe on a large platter with small dipping bowls of extra ranch, blue cheese, and hot sauce. You can also create mini versions by using smaller peppers, making them perfect finger foods that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This makes meal prep super convenient.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through, to keep the peppers tender and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess and maintain the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of ground meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even a plant-based alternative can be substituted depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How spicy is this Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
The heat level primarily comes from the hot sauce you choose. Using a milder sauce will tone down the spice, while a hot or extra hot sauce will kick it up a notch. You can always add more ranch dressing if you find it too spicy.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the buffalo chicken filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and bake the peppers. This makes weeknight dinners much quicker and easier.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing on hand?
You can substitute with blue cheese dressing or sour cream mixed with a bit of dried herbs to mimic the tangy creaminess ranch provides.
Are bell peppers the only option for stuffing?
They work best for this recipe due to their size and flavor, but you can experiment with other types of peppers like poblano or even hollowed-out tomatoes for a twist.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe is truly a joyful blend of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients that’s perfect for sharing any day of the week. I encourage you to try it out—whether for a family dinner or impressing friends—because every bite feels like a warm hug with a spicy kick. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers combine tender bell peppers filled with a zesty blend of ground chicken, hot sauce, and ranch dressing, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously bold and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped green onions and cilantro for garnish
Meat
- 1 pound ground chicken
Dairy
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the halved and seeded bell peppers cut side up in a baking dish ready for stuffing.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 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, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook thoroughly until no longer pink, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste throughout the process.
- Add Sauces: Stir in the hot sauce and ranch dressing, mixing well to evenly coat the cooked chicken with the spicy and creamy flavors.
- Stuff Peppers: Evenly spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each bell pepper half, filling them generously. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender, and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro before serving to add fresh color and brightness.
Notes
- You can adjust the hot sauce quantity to make the dish milder or spicier according to your preference.
- For a low-fat alternative, use low-fat cheese and ranch dressing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
