As the big game gets closer, everyone wants a tasty, crowd-pleasing snack. Forget greasy wings and heavy dips. This season, try the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Peppers. They mix buffalo sauce’s tangy heat with bell peppers’ crunch and chicken’s tenderness.
This easy, low-carb recipe is packed with protein. It’s perfect for any tailgate or party. Impress your guests with this flavorful dish.
Table of Contents
What Makes Buffalo Chicken Peppers Special
Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are a tasty twist on buffalo chicken dip. They are a low-carb, healthy snack for game days. The buffalo sauce originates from Buffalo, New York, consisting of a blend of hot sauce and melted butter. This recipe mixes buffalo sauce’s spicy taste with Greek yogurt’s creaminess, creating a dish that excites your taste buds.
The Origin of Buffalo Sauce
the Buffalo sauce originated in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York. Dominic Bellissimo created it to use leftover chicken wings. He mixed hot sauce and melted butter, starting a culinary tradition. Now, it’s in wings, dips, and these tasty buffalo chicken peppers.
Why This Recipe Works
This buffalo chicken pepper recipe is all about balance. Greek yogurt’s creaminess meets buffalo sauce‘s tangy kick. The crunchy bell peppers add a nice contrast to the filling. Plus, using rotisserie chicken or lean ground chicken keeps it low in calories, making it a healthy game day food.
Health Benefits
These buffalo chicken peppers are not only tasty but also healthy. These appetizers are ideal for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Bell peppers add vitamins C, A, and potassium, boosting the dish’s nutrition.
Essential Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Peppers
To make the perfect buffalo chicken peppers, you need the right ingredients. The main ones are bell peppers, shredded chicken, and Frank’s Red Hot sauce. Adding Greek yogurt gives it a creamy, tangy taste, a healthier choice than cream cheese.
The cheese mix is crucial for flavor. Provolone and mozzarella cheese blend well in the filling. Crumbled feta or blue cheese adds a zesty flavor on top. Green onions add a fresh touch.
With this recipe, you can easily customize the level of spiciness to suit your preferences. You can use more or less Frank’s Red Hot sauce. This way, you can make the peppers as spicy or mild as you want.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bell Peppers | 8 large |
| Frank’s RedHot Sauce | 1/2 cup |
| Shredded Chicken | 2 cups |
| Greek Yogurt | 1/2 cup |
| Provolone Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Feta or Blue Cheese | 1/2 cup, crumbled |
| Green Onions | 2, sliced |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious buffalo chicken pepper dish. It’s sure to wow your guests.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect Spicy Buffalo Chicken Peppers, you’ll need some key tools and equipment. Let’s explore the must-haves and some optional tools that can help.
Essential Cookware
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a saucepan, and a quality cutting board. The baking dish is intended for baking the stuffed peppers. The saucepan is for the chicken filling. A strong cutting board is key for chopping bell peppers and veggies.
Optional Tools for Easier Preparation
While not required, some extra tools can make cooking easier. Think about getting an air fryer for faster cooking, a sharp chef’s knife for easy veggie prep, and mixing bowls for mixing the filling.
Using top-notch, durable tools leads to better results and makes cleaning up a snap. With the right tools, you’ll quickly make delicious Spicy Buffalo Chicken Peppers.
Preparing the Perfect Bell Peppers
Creating the ultimate Buffalo Chicken Peppers starts with the bell peppers. You can cut off the tops or slice them in half lengthwise. For baking, slicing them in half is best. Assisting in laying flat and evenly distributing the filling, provides support for them.
Make sure to clean out the seeds and membranes from the peppers. This makes them ready for the Buffalo chicken filling. To make them softer, pre-bake the peppers for 10-15 minutes at 350°F before stuffing.
Choose peppers in red, yellow, and orange for a colorful dish. These colors not only look great but also add sweetness and crunch to the spicy filling.
The stuffed pepper preparation and bell pepper cutting techniques are crucial. By mastering these steps, you’ll make a delicious and attractive appetizer. It’s sure to impress your guests.
Creating the Spicy Buffalo Chicken Filling
Prepare yourself for the highlight of the evening – the shredded chicken. You can make it tender and juicy in many ways. Try baking, slow cooking, or using an Instant Pot. Or, for a quick fix, grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it yourself.
Chicken Preparation Methods
- Roast the chicken breasts in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Use a slow cooker to cook chicken on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Cook chicken in an Instant Pot for 12-15 minutes in the poultry setting.
- To shred the cooked chicken, simply use two forks or a hand mixer.
Sauce Mixing Techniques
Next, let’s make the spicy buffalo sauce. Simply combine the buffalo wing sauce, butter, garlic powder, and onion powder in a saucepan. Warm the mixture over medium heat while occasionally stirring, ensuring the butter melts to perfection and the flavors meld harmoniously.
Let the delicious flavors of the sauce infuse into the chicken for a mouth-watering experience. For a creamy touch, add some Greek yogurt and shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese. You can also adjust the heat by changing how much hot sauce you use.
Now, the spicy buffalo chicken filling is ready. It’s time to fill the bell pepper halves and bake them to perfection.
Assembly and Cooking Instructions
Preparing the spicy buffalo chicken stuffed peppers is easy and fun. Follow these steps to make and bake your peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To prevent sticking, either grease the baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Carefully place the prepared bell pepper halves into the prepared baking dish.
- Generously fill each pepper half with the buffalo chicken mixture, evenly distributing it.
- Top the filled peppers with an extra sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, or your preferred melty cheese.
- Cook the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
You can also cook these peppers in an air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the pepper halves in the basket and cook for 6 minutes. Next, fill them with the buffalo chicken mixture and continue cooking for 10 more minutes, adding cheese during the final 5 minutes.
After following the stuffed peppers assembly and baking instructions, let the peppers cool for a few minutes. This tasty appetizer or main dish will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something spicy, cheesy, and comforting.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded Chicken | 24 ounces (3 cups) |
| Buffalo Sauce | 1 cup |
| Blue Cheese Dressing | 1/2 cup |
| Slider Buns | 12 |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 2-3 cups |
| Melted Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh Chopped Parsley | 1 teaspoon |
Cheese Selection and Combinations
Choosing the right cheese is key for stuffed peppers, especially with buffalo chicken filling. The right mix of cheeses can make your peppers even better. Try different cheese combinations to find new flavors.
Best Melting Cheeses
For the best-melted cheese, pick cheeses that melt well. Here are some top choices:
- Mozzarella – This cheese melts smoothly, adding a nice texture to your peppers.
- Provolone – Its mild taste and great melting make it perfect for stuffed peppers.
- Monterey Jack – This cheese melts creamily, making the buffalo chicken even more indulgent.
Flavor-Enhancing Options
Adding flavorful cheeses can make your buffalo chicken peppers even better. Here are some ideas:
- Sharp Cheddar – Its bold flavor contrasts nicely with the buffalo chicken.
- Pepper Jack cheese gives the filling a fiery flavor boost.
- Blue Cheese – A sprinkle of blue cheese brings a unique, sophisticated taste.
Try mixing cheeses like mozzarella for melting and feta or blue cheese for flavor. Find the right mix for your taste.
| Cheese Type | Melting Ability | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Excellent | Mild, creamy |
| Provolone | Excellent | Mild, slightly tangy |
| Monterey Jack | Excellent | Creamy, mild |
| Sharp Cheddar | Good | Bold, slightly tangy |
| Pepper Jack | Good | Mildly spicy, creamy |
| Blue Cheese | Fair | Tangy, pungent |
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Once your buffalo chicken pepper toppings are ready, it’s time to show them off. Present them while they are warm, accompanied by flavorful and fresh toppings. This will make your appetizer presentation even more appealing.
Start with chopped green onions on top. They bring vibrancy and a hint of onion flavor to the dish. For a cool contrast, drizzle some ranch dressing. Don’t forget a sprinkle of blue cheese for that extra buffalo kick.
To make a great game-day spread, add crunchy celery and carrot sticks. Offer extra buffalo sauce or ranch for dipping. Pair these peppers with mini sliders, chips, and dip, or a cheesy bread platter for a fun mix.
| Garnish Suggestions | Serving Accompaniments |
|---|---|
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With these bright garnishes and a variety of snacks, you’ll have a stunning and tasty game-day spread. Your guests will love it.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing these spicy Buffalo Chicken Peppers in advance can be a game-changer for your meal prep routine. The filling can be prepared up to 3 days ahead of time. This makes assembly a breeze when you’re ready to bake. Keep the prepared filling stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are prepared to stuff the peppers.
Freezing Instructions
Assembled Buffalo Chicken Peppers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the peppers overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat your frozen or refrigerated Buffalo Chicken Peppers, preheat your oven to 350°F. Arrange the peppers on a baking sheet and bake until heated through approximately 15-20 minutes. For quicker results, you can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Make sure to add a fresh layer of shredded cheese on top before reheating for the best texture.