Healthy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Your Ultimate Low-Carb, Portion-Controlled Recipe for Any Occasion
These incredibly delicious Healthy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers offer a smart, perfectly portion-controlled way to enjoy your favorite creamy, spicy buffalo chicken dip – made lighter and packed with nutrients. Get ready to transform your snack or mealtime!
Confession time: Dips are my ultimate culinary weakness. Seriously, if there’s a dip in the room, consider me glued to it. My willpower vanishes, and the next thing I know, I’m halfway through the bowl, accompanied by an entire bag of chips or whatever dippers I can get my hands on. It’s a delicious, albeit slightly embarrassing, habit that I’ve been trying to rein in.
And yes, I probably owe a few apologies for my behavior at your last gathering, and the one before that. But who can blame me when something tastes so incredibly good?
Of all the irresistible dips out there, Buffalo Chicken Dip holds a special place in my heart. Its creamy texture, spicy kick, and savory chicken make it absolutely addictive. However, the traditional version, often loaded with cream cheese and rich ingredients, isn’t always the healthiest choice. That’s why I embarked on a mission to create a truly Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip – one that I could devour without an ounce of guilt, knowing it was actually good for me.
But the journey didn’t stop there. Even a healthier dip can lead to overindulgence when paired with endless chips. So, I had a brilliant idea to ensure I enjoyed every single bite in a controlled, mindful way, without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
My solution? Stuffing that glorious, healthified buffalo chicken dip into little baby bell peppers! It was a game-changer. Mini bell peppers are naturally sweet, crisp, and provide the perfect low-carb vessel for a flavorful filling. They turn a potentially indulgent dip into a perfectly portion-controlled appetizer, a light lunch, or a satisfying snack.
I’m already a huge advocate for using mini stuffed bell peppers for other delicious, portion-controlled meals, like:
- 21 Day Fix Mini Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Pepper Nachos
- 21 Day Fix Mini Bell Pepper Nachos with Taco Meat
So, adding a buffalo chicken option to the repertoire was a no-brainer! These healthy buffalo chicken stuffed peppers are not just tasty; they’re also incredibly versatile and fit seamlessly into various healthy eating plans, including Weight Watchers and the 21 Day Fix. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for keto lifestyles.
How to Make Healthy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: A Step-by-Step Guide
The foundation of any great buffalo chicken dish is perfectly shredded chicken. There are several convenient methods to prepare it:
- Instant Pot (My Favorite Method): For a truly hands-off approach, place chicken breasts or tenderloins in your Instant Pot with 1 cup of water or broth. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a natural release. This yields incredibly tender, easy-to-shred chicken every time.
- Stovetop: Poach chicken breasts by covering them with water or broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 20 minutes to finish cooking. Drain well and shred.
- Crock Pot: Simply place chicken breasts in your slow cooker with a little broth or water and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2.5 hours, until easily shredded with two forks.
- Rotisserie Chicken: For the ultimate shortcut, grab a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Simply shred the meat and you’re good to go!
Once your chicken is shredded, you’re halfway to these amazing stuffed peppers!
Crafting Your Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Filling: Key Ingredients
The secret to a healthy yet incredibly flavorful buffalo chicken dip lies in smart substitutions. Here’s what I use to make this dip both delicious and guilt-free:
- 2% Greek Yogurt: This is a fantastic stand-in for cream cheese. It provides incredible creaminess, tang, and a significant protein boost. I highly recommend thick brands like Fage or Chobani for the best texture.
- Small Curd Cottage Cheese: Don’t let the idea of cottage cheese scare you! When blended into the dip, especially a whipped variety like Friendship Brand’s, you absolutely will NOT taste it. It adds protein and a wonderfully smooth texture without the extra fat. Trust me, even cottage cheese skeptics will love this!
- Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is my go-to for that classic buffalo flavor. It’s crucial to use plain hot sauce, not a pre-made “buffalo sauce,” which often contains butter and other additives that can negate the “healthy” aspect. You can always adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A touch of sharp cheddar adds savory depth. If you’re following Weight Watchers or simply watching your fat intake, opt for a reduced-fat cheddar.
- Blue Cheese: I am firmly team blue cheese for buffalo chicken! Its pungent, salty notes perfectly complement the spice. However, if blue cheese isn’t your thing, no worries! You can easily substitute it with more cheddar, some mozzarella for stretchiness, or even a bit of feta for a different kind of tang. It will still be absolutely delicious.
Once your chicken is shredded and your dip ingredients are ready, simply combine them in a bowl. For the peppers, slice them in half lengthwise, carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes, and pat them dry. Then, generously stuff each pepper half with 1-2 tablespoons of your incredible healthy buffalo chicken dip mixture.
A pound of mini bell peppers typically yields about 15 or more peppers, resulting in roughly 30 stuffed halves. This quantity makes for a generous batch of appetizers, or several healthy, low-carb lunches or dinners throughout the week. They’re vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying!
Cooking Your Healthy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Air Fryer Method
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for making these mini stuffed peppers, yielding perfectly tender peppers with a slightly crisp filling. While you might need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer, the speed and texture are well worth it. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp and the filling is heated through and slightly browned on top. Keep an eye on them, as air fryer temperatures can vary.
Cooking Your Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Stuffed Peppers: Oven Method
If you prefer using your oven or are making a larger batch, the oven method is just as simple and effective. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper – a crucial step for effortless cleanup! Arrange your stuffed pepper halves on the sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the dip is bubbly and golden brown. The parchment paper ensures nothing sticks, making cleanup a breeze.
BONUS IDEA! Enjoy as a Dip: Want to skip the pepper stuffing and just make the dip? You absolutely can! Simply follow the recipe for the buffalo chicken mixture. Then, spread it into an oven-safe casserole dish, optionally topping with a little extra cheddar. Broil it in the oven until the cheese is crispy and the dip is bubbly. Serve warm with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or whole-wheat crackers for a fantastic appetizer or snack. It’s incredibly satisfying on its own!
Aaaaaand… I also love this mixture cold, similar to a buffalo chicken salad. It’s fantastic for meal prep. Just scoop it onto lettuce wraps, use it in sandwiches, or enjoy it with some cucumber slices for a refreshing, protein-packed lunch. Omg, yum.
Is this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip Stuffed Pepper recipe 21 Day Fix Approved? What about WW Points?
Absolutely, 100%! This recipe is designed to be compliant with popular healthy eating programs. You’ll find all the specific 21 Day Fix container counts and Weight Watchers (WW) Personal Points information conveniently located in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, as always. Enjoy these flavorful bites knowing they fit perfectly into your healthy lifestyle!
Craving More Buffalo Chicken Deliciousness? Explore These Recipes:
If you’re as big a fan of buffalo chicken as I am, you’ll love these other healthy and flavorful recipes:
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos [Instant Pot | Air Fryer]
Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats [21 Day Fix | Weight Watchers]
Krispie Airfryer Buffalo Chicken Nuggets | 21 Day Fix Buffalo Chicken Nuggets (Oven Friendly)
21 Day Fix Buffalo Chicken Pizza
21 Day Fix Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Chili
Baked Buffalo Shrimp w/ Goat Cheese Sauce {21 Day Fix}
Buffalo Chicken Pasta | The Foodie and The Fix
Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps | Carrie Elle
Planning a Game Day Feast? Discover More Healthy Game Day Recipes!
For more fantastic, health-conscious options perfect for your next game day or casual get-together, be sure to check out my comprehensive guide to Healthy Game Day Recipes | Instant Pot | Air Fryer [21 Day Fix | WW]. You’ll find a variety of delicious dishes that everyone will love, without compromising your health goals.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers [Instant Pot | Air Fryer | Oven]
Nancylynn
5
servings
Pin Recipe
25
minutes
25
minutes
Ingredients
-
16
oz
mini bell peppers -
1
lb
boneless chicken breast or tenderloins -
2/3
cup
2% greek yogurt -
1/2
cup
small curd cottage cheese -
1/3
cup
shredded cheddar
I use sharp -
1/2
cup
hot sauce
I use Franks, plus more for drizzling -
1/3
cup
blue cheese
or sub more cheddar, goat cheese, or mozzarella -
Green onion
optional garnish
Instructions
To cook the chicken:
-
Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
-
In your Instant Pot – add 1 cup of broth or water and your raw chicken breast. Cook for 15 minutes and do a full natural release. Drain well and shred.
-
In your oven- cook chicken breast on 350 for 30 minutes. Let cool and dice.
-
On your stovetop – cover chicken with broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and cover for 20 minutes before dicing or shedding and drain well.
To Make the Buffalo Chicken Dip Stuffed Peppers
-
Preheat Oven to 375 or Air Fryer to 350
-
In a medium sized bowl, measure out cottage cheese using a slotted spoon to drain some of the liquid out. I usually just tap the spoon slightly on the side of the container to remove what I can. Add Greek yogurt, cheddar, blue cheese, green onion, and hot sauce. Stir. Next add in cooked chicken. Taste and adjust hot sauce as needed and sprinkle with salt, pepper, or garlic powder if desired.
-
Slice the mini bell peppers in half and remove the centers and seeds. Stuff them with the buffalo chicken filling.
Air Fryer
-
Cook mini bell peppers in batches on 350 for 10 minutes
Oven
-
Cook mini bell peppers on a parchment lined baking sheet on 375 for 12 minutes
-
Bonus: To Make a Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip, just follow the recipe, but place buffalo chicken mixture in an oven safe casserole. Optional – Top with an additional 1/3 cup of cheddar cheese. Broil in the oven until the dip is bubbly and brown.
Video
Notes
3 mini bell pepper halves – 1/2 red, 1/6 blue, 1/2 green
WW Blue Points: 6 mini bell pepper halves – 2 points; 3 mini bell pepper halves – 1 point
Nutrition
Serving:
6
halves
Calories:
214
kcal
Carbohydrates:
8
g
Protein:
30
g
Fat:
7
g
Saturated Fat:
3
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
2
g
Trans Fat:
0.01
g
Cholesterol:
69
mg
Sodium:
997
mg
Potassium:
609
mg
Fiber:
2
g
Sugar:
6
g
Vitamin A:
3017
IU
Vitamin C:
135
mg
Calcium:
141
mg
Iron:
1
mg
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