2. Cut bell peppers in half and remove stems and seeds. Place on a baking sheet and cover with a small amount of oil on the backs. Season well. Let bake in the oven for about 5 minutes while it warms. Remove after 5 minutes and let cool.
3. Cook chicken (I boiled with seasonings). Remove chicken, cool and shred.
4. Blend cottage cheese to make smooth. Add cottage cheese, diced onion, buffalo sauce, shredded chicken, and spices to a bowl. Mix well. Add shredded cheese last.
5. Fill bell peppers with chicken mixture. Top with more cheese. Cook for 12-20 minutes or until warm and the cheese on top has melted.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings like ranch or green onions. Enjoy!
... Read moreYou know how much I love finding recipes that are both delicious and fit into a healthy lifestyle, especially for meal prep. That's exactly why I had to share my take on these buffalo chicken stuffed peppers! They've become a staple in my kitchen because they’re incredibly satisfying, low carb, and packed with protein, making them perfect for staying on track with your health goals.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts for meal prep. I usually make a big batch on Sunday, and they last me for several lunches or dinners throughout the week. To prep ahead, simply follow the recipe through step 5, allowing the stuffed peppers to cool completely after baking. Then, you can store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, a quick reheat in the microwave or oven (if you prefer a crispier pepper) brings them back to life. It’s such a time-saver and makes healthy eating so much more manageable!
Speaking of healthy, these peppers are a fantastic way to get your veggies in without feeling like you're missing out. Using bell peppers as the 'boat' for the filling keeps the carb count down significantly compared to traditional bases. Plus, the creamy filling gets a protein boost from the chicken and the surprisingly smooth, blended cottage cheese. Don't skip blending the cottage cheese – it makes all the difference in achieving that rich, creamy texture without adding extra fat. And yes, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top for that melty finish is totally worth it!
Now, let's talk about the chicken. I often get asked about the best way to cook chicken for shredding, especially when you want it tender and flavorful. For this recipe, I find that boiling chicken breasts with some seasoning works wonders. The key to avoiding bland chicken, even when boiling, is to infuse it with flavor from the start. I like to add a chicken bouillon cube or powder, a bay leaf, and a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder to the water. This helps the chicken absorb flavor as it cooks, ensuring your shredded chicken isn't just moist, but also delicious. You could also bake or instant pot your chicken, but boiling is so quick and easy for shredding!
Want to customize your buffalo chicken stuffed peppers? The possibilities are endless! If you love a serious kick, feel free to add more buffalo sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mixture. For extra veggies, finely dice some celery or carrots and mix them into the chicken filling. You could even swap out the chicken for ground turkey or beans if you prefer. And don't forget the toppings! While my recipe mentions ranch dressing – which is a classic pairing for buffalo chicken – you could also try a drizzle of blue cheese dressing, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even some thinly sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. This recipe is all about making it your own and enjoying every healthy bite!
I'm not a fan of buffalo/hot sauces.. could we just skip that or try something else like BBQ sauce (not sure I'd use BBQ but I couldn't think of anything else)
I'm not a fan of buffalo/hot sauces.. could we just skip that or try something else like BBQ sauce (not sure I'd use BBQ but I couldn't think of anything else)