My husband Ben refers to anything with buffalo sauce as “angel food.” He insists that tangy, spicy flavor with a hint of sweet could only be made by the powers above. That’s one reason why these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers are one of the few main dishes he will voluntarily offer to cook any night of the week.
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The fact that this recipe is super-duper easy, satisfyingly creamy, and even low carb certainly heightens its appeal too!
As I shared with this recipe for Buffalo Baked Salmon, Buffalo sauce traces its history back to a bar in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo sauce is essentially Frank’s RedHot sauce mixed with melted butter, with a few other spices added. The bar served it, and it became a legend.
The butter adds a rich flavor and balances the heat of the sauce. No angel (above or below) could possibly refuse.
Ben also loves this recipe because it’s a healthy way to scarf down that Buffalo taste (he’s a big fan of my Buffalo Chicken Pizza, and Buffalo Chicken Wrap).
Rather than fried chicken wings being the vehicle, peppers are a low-carb, hearty alternative (so is Buffalo Chicken Salad!). Many recipes make chicken stuffed peppers with cream cheese, but this one swaps in Greek yogurt to keep that creamy richness, all with fewer calories and a hit of protein.
We love, love to make stuffed peppers (and stuffed vegetables generally) because they’re an innately nutritious meal all in one tidy package!
Over the years, we’ve taken inspiration from across the globe – from Italian Stuffed Peppers to Mexican Stuffed Peppers. My cookbook has my all-time favorite stuffed pepper recipe (Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers), so make sure to get your copy here.
Today’s stuffed pepper spin brings the flavor inspo back home. The filling inside the peppers is reminiscent of the divine all-American favorite, Buffalo chicken dip. You’ll find plenty of cheesy goodness, juicy pieces of chicken, and that addictive Buffalo spice.
This recipe feels right at home for any big sports game watch (which is when Ben insists on the presence of Buffalo sauce). The homemade Buffalo filling is fit for the big lights.
The Best Way to Cut Stuffed Peppers
There are two basic methods to cut bell peppers for stuffed peppers.
OPTION 1: Cut Off the Pepper Top. Slice off the top of each pepper just below the stem and scrape out the membrane and seeds through this newly cut hole. You end up with a single, hollow pepper.
- Cutting off the tops of the peppers works well when the stuffed peppers will be nestled tightly side by side during cooking, as in a slow cooker (like these Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers) or Instant Pot (like these Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers). They can support each other.
- When baking stuffed peppers in a dish like this recipe, however, the peppers usually aren’t balanced enough to stand unsupported on their ends.
OPTION 2: The Pepper Split. Cut the peppers completely in half from top to bottom (down through the stem), then scrape out the membranes and seeds. You end up with two shallow pepper halves.
- When cooking peppers in a baking dish in the oven (like in this Stuffed Peppers recipe), I prefer Option 2. Once the peppers are split, you place them on their backs in the baking dish, then mound the filling inside.
- Since the peppers are laid flat, you don’t have to worry about making stuffed peppers stand up.
How to Make the Best Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
The below recipe is for making Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers in the oven, though you can try swapping the filling into other stuffed pepper preparations. If you love charred, smokey flavors, Grilled Stuffed Peppers would be a taste of heaven.
The Ingredients
- Bell Peppers. Because of their lightly sweet yet neutral flavor, bell peppers make a wonderful vessel for our Buffalo chicken filling. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins and potassium (read more about bell pepper health benefits here).
- Shredded Chicken. Make perfectly tender, moist shredded chicken every time with one of my easy shredded chicken recipes (see them all in the “Stuffed Pepper Meal Prep Tips” section below). OR you can source shredded chicken in a hurry from a store bought rotisserie chicken.
- Buffalo Sauce. A truly divine mixture of classic hot sauce (I used Frank’s RedHot), butter, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s notoriously addictive, crowd-pleasing, and will have even veggie skeptics scarfing down these peppers.
- Greek Yogurt. My wholesome swap that makes these peppers creamy and a little tangy, without the need for cream cheese.
- Cheeses. A blend creates the ideal cheesy flavor. I used part provolone and part Mozzarella for the filling, then topped the finished peppers with feta. Blue cheese would also be delicious on the top.
- Green Onion. A simple and fresh way to finish off our stuffed peppers.
The Directions
- Cut the bell peppers, and remove the seeds and membranes. Lay them cut side up in a baking dish.
- Stir the buffalo sauce ingredients together in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove it from the heat once the butter has melted.
- Add the chicken, stirring to coat.
- Add the yogurt and part of the cheese.
- Pile the filling into the pepper halves. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 375 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes. (Not overcooking the peppers keeps the stuffed peppers from getting soggy.) Sprinkle with feta and green onions. DIG IN!
Meal Prep Tips
- Cooked, shredded chicken can last about 4 days in the refrigerator. Make it as far ahead as you like, depending upon how long you’d like to keep any leftover peppers.
- You can cook the chicken using one of these simple methods: Baked Chicken Breast, Instant Pot Chicken, Crock Pot Shredded Chicken, or this stovetop method for How to Cook Shredded Chicken.
- Slice your bell peppers up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, add the filling and bake as directed.
- Prepare a big batch of the buffalo chicken filling, and freeze it in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, pile it into pepper halves, and bake as directed.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate peppers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- To Freeze. Freeze peppers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Recipe Variations
Note that for all of the below, you should cook the meat first for the stuffed peppers.
- As an Appetizer. Normally, I serve this recipe as a main dish, but it would be creative to turn these into a Buffalo chicken stuffed peppers appetizer using mini peppers. After cutting the mini peppers in half and lightly sprinkling with kosher salt, bake them in the oven at 375 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy. Fill the mini peppers with the Buffalo chicken topping, sprinkle with more cheese, and return to the oven for 5 minutes.
- To Make Paleo. Though I don’t have a recipe for paleo buffalo chicken stuffed peppers specifically, I definitely recommend checking out this Healthy Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken. Serving the buffalo chicken over baked sweet potatoes is paleo friendly.
- Use Poblano Peppers. Cut poblano peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Bake the peppers for 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees F. Pile the filling into the peppers, top with cheese, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Use Banana Peppers. Halve banana peppers, and remove the seeds and membranes. Fill the pepper halves with the buffalo chicken mixture, top with cheese, and bake at 375 degrees F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
- Baking Dish. This high-quality baking dish looks beautiful for serving too.
- Cutting Board. This one is sturdy and won’t slip out from under you while you chop.
- Saucepan. Great for mixing our stuffed pepper filling together.
May the Buffalo powers above rejoice!
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
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Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers any colors you like; I used a mix of red and green
- â…” cup classic hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken from about 2 medium breasts; see "Meal Prep Tips" above for additional easy methods for cooking
- ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt plus additional for serving
- Âľ cup shredded provolone cheese or Mozzarella cheese I used a 50/50 blend, divided
- ½ cup crumbed feta cheese or blue cheese
- ÂĽ cup finely chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Slice the bell peppers in half from top to bottom. Remove the seeds and membranes then arrange cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the hot sauce, butter, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder, until the butter melts. Remove from the heat.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, coating with the sauce.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt and 1/4 cup of the provolone.
- Mound the filling inside of the peppers. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup provolone over the top.
- Pour a bit of water into the pan with the peppers—just enough to barely cover the bottom of the pan. Carefully transfer to the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the peppers are fork tender and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven. Top with feta and chopped green onions. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate peppers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze peppers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.Â
Nutrition
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I did not have shredded chicken. Used ground turkey instead. Did not add the butter to the hot sauce and half the cheese. Topped with bleu cheese and it’s to die for!!!! Thank you, Erin!!!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Brenda! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Delicious! Made a double batch to kickoff the football season.  Between your cookbook and your blog, I’ve been making almost all Well Plated recipes the last two weeks!Â
This MAKES my day, Stef! I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe!
Yummy. This looks so delicious. I am going to try this recipe today. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe.
I hope you enjoy the recipe, Mark!
I found your blog when I was looking for healthy instant pot recipes, and now it’s the only place I look. Everything is healthy and delicious and this recipe is no exception. I made it exactly as directed and it is outstanding! I can’t wait to get the cookbook, I’ll be buying it for all of my sisters for Christmas!Â
THANK YOU for your kind words and support, Lynn! I’m so happy that you enjoyed this recipe!
These were delicious and so easy to make! I made the chicken in the crockpot the day before, so the day of the assembly took only about 10 minutes- which is a weeknight win for sure. Minimal cutting of vegetables, healthy, and full of flavor- my favorite kind of recipe. The buffalo sauce in particular is incredible and I want to put it on everything I eat now. Thank you for such a delicious and easy weeknight meal!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Carrie! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This was SO easy and absolutely delicious! I used a shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and it turned out great. Perfect for Sunday football!Â
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Caroline! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I absolutely loved this recipe!!!! The instructions were so easy to follow and made for the perfect dinner! I have never used an instapot either and appreciated that Erin linked a recipe to how to cook and shred chicken in there as well!! Highly recommend this recipe for a fun alternative to regular Buffalo chicken recipes! This will be a staple in my weekly dinners for sure!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Brynna! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Very good, very spicy! I added about a cup of cooked rice and used bacon gouda cheese. Delish! Also thanks for the tips on poaching chicken.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Myron! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Can I use cream cheese instead of the youghurt?
Hi Craig! I’ve only tested this recipe as written. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
How did the cream cheese turn out?
This was so, so, GOOD! Thank you for sharing! A low-fat version and protein-rich substitute that taste’s better than the original fattier version.
Hi Natalie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi Erin. Loved this recipe for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers! But how can I dial back the heat? I used Franks Red Hot Sauce (normal heat) but it was just too much spice.
Thanks!
Carol
So glad you enjoyed it Carol! You could easily reduce the hot sauce to 1/3 cup and maybe add a little water just to make sure you have enough liquid to coat the chicken. I’d play around with it a little to see what works best for your taste!
What is a good good to have with these if I am making them for dinner
Hi Kalee! A salad and bread are awesome! ENJOY!
Love your recipes! Did you ever thinking about linking the WW points tracker like Gina does on Skinnytaste? Thanks!
Glad you enjoy them Jaclyn! It’s not something I’m familiar with so it won’t be something that we would be adding at this time. Thanks!
Could you make this recipe in a crockpot?
Hi Michele! You probably could. It would be similar to this method: https://www.wellplated.com/chicken-quinoa-crock-pot-stuffed-peppers/
I’m not a cook, typically every recipe I attempt never meets my expectations, however, this turned out amazing and super simple! I prepared as directed for the meat and buffalo sauce. I pre-cooked the bell peppers in the air fryer so it cut the time by more than half.
Pre-heat air fryer 5 minutes on 400. Then spray air fryer with avocado oil. Add the open bell peppers for 5 minutes, take out and add the prepared chicken, buffalo, and cheese sauce. Cook another 6 minutes total adding rest of cheese on top after 3 minutes. Delish, so pleased! Will make again!
Hi Edie! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Glad the air fryer portion worked out for you!
Great recipe! The peppers had great flavour and were super filling. We thoroughly enjoyed them! Will definitely make again.
So glad to hear, thank yoU Abigail!
I was looking for a low carb/lower fat recipe and found this today. It was sooo good!! Super easy and really yummy! We typically cook our cut peppers in the pan with water to make sure they are soft before cooking with the filling but I’m sure it would be good either way! I used 15 oz of Del Real Pulled Chicken to save time but it didn’t seem like enough so I added 12.5 oz can of Swanson and that seemed to make it meaty enough. I can never judge how much is the right amount of meat and figure extra is always good! ha!
Next time I’ll probably cook and shred the chicken but we were limited on time today.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Christy! Glad you enjoyed it!