Game Day MVP Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Mini Peppers Recipe

If you want an appetizer that steals the show on game day, these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Mini Peppers are the answer. Packed with juicy buffalo chicken, melty mozzarella, and sweet mini peppers, they deliver bold flavor without the fuss of cream cheese or complicated sauces. Topped with crunchy celery and served with ranch or blue cheese dressing, these bites are perfect for sharing and disappear fast.

This recipe is simple, high-protein, and uses real ingredients you can feel good about. Whether you’re prepping for a big game, hosting friends, or just craving a tasty snack, these stuffed mini peppers will quickly become a favorite.

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Mini Peppers topped with celery and cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb ground chicken

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 cup cottage cheese

• ⅓ to ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust to your spice preference)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping

• 1 bag mini sweet peppers (red, orange, yellow), halved and deseeded

  
  

For Topping and Serving

• Chopped celery

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing

  
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the mini peppers cut-side up on a baking sheet. This will make filling and baking easier.

   
   

2. Cook the ground chicken in a large pan over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until no longer pink.

   
   

3. Add cottage cheese and buffalo sauce to the pan. Stir and let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid evaporates and the filling thickens. This creates a creamy, spicy base without cream cheese.

   
   

4. Mix in shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts and blends fully with the chicken mixture.

   
   

5. Fill each mini pepper with the buffalo chicken mixture. Top each pepper with a little extra mozzarella cheese for a golden finish.

   
   

6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

   
   

7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped celery over the peppers. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

   
   
   
   

Why These Mini Peppers Are a Game Day Favorite

These stuffed mini peppers bring together the best of buffalo chicken wings without the mess. Using ground chicken keeps the filling juicy and protein-packed, while cottage cheese adds creaminess without the heaviness of cream cheese. The mini sweet peppers provide a natural sweetness and crunch that balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.

Because they’re bite-sized and easy to eat, they make a great finger food for parties or casual get-togethers. Plus, they’re colorful and visually appealing, adding a pop of brightness to your appetizer spread.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Serves 6)

• Calories: ~220

• Protein: 25g

• Fat: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 8g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

• Sodium: 600mg

  
  

This recipe offers a solid protein boost with moderate fat and carbs, making it a satisfying snack or light meal option.

Tips for Success and Variations

• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce. For a milder version, use a mild wing sauce or mix buffalo sauce with a bit of honey.

  
  

• Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or cheddar for a sharper flavor.

  
  

• Make it vegetarian by swapping ground chicken for cooked lentils or crumbled tofu, and use a vegetarian buffalo sauce.

  
  

• Prepare ahead by making the filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and stuff the peppers just before baking.

  
  

• Serve with extra crunch by adding sliced green onions or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits on top.