Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb

These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb are a must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet flavorful meal! Perfect for weeknight dinners, these stuffed peppers bring together tender bell peppers filled with spicy buffalo chicken topped with creamy dairy-free ranch dressing. Ideal for gatherings or meal prep, this recipe caters to various dietary needs, including Whole30, paleo, and keto. Enjoy a wholesome dish that is as nutritious as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation – With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, dinner is ready in under an hour.
• Flavor Packed – The combination of buffalo sauce and shredded chicken creates a mouthwatering filling that will please everyone.
• Versatile Options – You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot sauce used.
• Healthy Choice – These stuffed peppers are low in carbs and free from dairy, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Great Make-Ahead Meal – Prepare these ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later on.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather all the necessary tools before starting. This ensures an organized kitchen and efficient cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet or baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet or baking dish – Essential for baking the stuffed peppers evenly while allowing plenty of space for each pepper.
• Mixing bowl – A large bowl helps combine all ingredients thoroughly without spilling, ensuring a well-mixed filling.

Ingredients

For the Peppers

• 3 large bell peppers – any color, cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed

For the Filling

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken – a rotisserie chicken will be about the perfect amount of chicken for this recipe
• 1 cup paleo mayonnaise, either homemade or store bought avocado mayo
• 1/2 cup hot sauce or buffalo sauce – I love Frank’s red hot, but a Whole30 compatible buffalo sauce also works
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
• 1 bunch of green onions, white and light green parts thinly sliced – plus more for garnish

For Garnish

• Whole30 ranch dressing
• Fresh herbs

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your stuffed peppers cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppers

• Arrange the cut and de-seeded bell peppers in a lightly greased large skillet or baking dish, cut side up.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Combine pre-cooked shredded chicken, mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, nutritional yeast (if using), and green onions.
2. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt if desired.

Step 4: Fill the Peppers

Fill each prepared pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture. Be sure to pack it tightly for an even distribution of flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Stuffed Peppers

Cover the baking dish with foil:
1. Bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes until peppers are tender and stuffing is bubbling slightly browned.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Top each stuffed pepper with a drizzle of ranch dressing, thinly sliced green onions, and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb

These buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your mealtime experience.

Enjoy with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the spicy flavors of the peppers.
• Caesar Salad: A dairy-free Caesar salad adds crunch and creaminess, balancing the heat of the stuffed peppers.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Dairy Free Ranch Dressing: Drizzle or dip your stuffed peppers in ranch dressing for a creamy contrast.
• Salsa Verde: A zesty salsa verde enhances the flavor profile, adding freshness to each bite.

Add Some Crunch

• Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a fun texture contrast and extra snacking opportunity.
• Crispy Veggies: Offer sliced cucumbers or bell pepper strips as a refreshing side to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Perfect Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb

Creating the ultimate buffalo chicken stuffed peppers is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for perfect results every time.

• seasoning: Don’t hesitate to add extra spices or herbs to enhance the flavor of your filling.
• Fresh ingredients: Use fresh bell peppers and herbs for maximum flavor and nutrition in your dish.
• Layering flavors: Mix in some cheese alternatives if you’re not strictly dairy-free; this can add creaminess to the stuffing.
• Cook thoroughly: Ensure that you bake the peppers until they are tender but not mushy for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb

Serving buffalo chicken stuffed peppers with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Zucchini Noodles: Light and low-carb, zucchini noodles make an excellent base for additional sauces or toppings.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized pairs perfectly with spicy stuffed peppers.
3. Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative provides a fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors from your meal.
4. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the rich filling of the peppers.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory stuffed peppers.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon creates a nutritious side that complements your main dish beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip seasoning: Not using enough seasoning can lead to bland stuffed peppers. Always taste your filling before stuffing the peppers and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Boldly overstuffing: Trying to stuff too much filling into the peppers can cause them to burst while baking. Pack the filling in firmly but avoid overfilling.

• Boldly undercooking chicken: If your chicken isn’t fully cooked before mixing, it won’t reach a safe temperature while baking. Always ensure chicken is cooked through before using it in the recipe.

• Boldly ignoring pepper types: Using only one color of bell pepper limits flavor diversity. Mix different colored peppers for added sweetness and visual appeal.

• Boldly skipping the sauce: Not adding enough buffalo sauce can make the mixture dry. Be generous with sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb

• Wrap individual stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a stuffed pepper on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat stuffed peppers in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb that you may find helpful.

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

You can definitely substitute shredded turkey or even canned tuna if you’re looking for alternatives!

Are these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free hot sauce and mayonnaise.

What toppings work well with Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb?

Fresh herbs, avocado slices, or additional dairy-free ranch dressing add great flavor and presentation!

How do I make these spicy?

Increase the amount of hot sauce used in the filling, or top with spicy jalapeños right before serving for an extra kick!

Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers – Dairy Free & Low Carb are not just delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding vegetables or spices according to your preference. These stuffed peppers make for a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep!