There's something so satisfying about creamy, spicy, and savory all wrapped up in a healthy package—that's exactly what you get with this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe. It's a comforting twist on classic buffalo chicken that feels special but is surprisingly simple to pull together.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe more times than I can count because it satisfies that craving for bold flavors without feeling heavy or complicated. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak veggies onto your plate in a dish everyone loves.
- Flavor-packed comfort food: Combining tangy buffalo sauce with tender chicken and rich blue cheese makes every bite deliciously addictive.
- Healthy and nutritious: Using spaghetti squash instead of pasta cuts carbs and adds fiber—perfect for a lighter meal.
- Super easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps mean you’ll get this on the table without fuss.
- Customizable to your taste: From swapping ranch for blue cheese to adding more veggies, you can make it yours every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and nutrition. When you look for your ingredients, aim for freshness, especially with veggies and chicken, so everything tastes vibrant.
- Chicken breast: I like to use cooked and shredded chicken breast because it soaks up the buffalo sauce nicely without overpowering the squash.
- Spaghetti squash: This is the star veggie—its mild flavor and stringy texture mimic pasta and provide a sturdy vessel for the filling.
- Celery: Adds a nice crunch and a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness.
- Green onions: Bright and a little sharp, they bring a gentle onion flavor that isn't too heavy.
- Red bell pepper: Offers sweetness and color, making the dish visually appealing.
- Buffalo sauce: Pick a quality store-bought one or make your own for that classic tang and heat.
- Ranch dressing: Optional but highly recommended for creaminess that mellows the spice.
- Blue cheese: Another optional ingredient that adds depth and a touch of luxury with its robust flavor.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to make it hotter, milder, or even dairy-free—it’s super forgiving!
- Variation: When I want to keep it paleo-friendly, I swap regular ranch for a homemade paleo ranch dressing, and it’s just as creamy and satisfying.
- Vegetarian twist: I once tried substituting shredded jackfruit for the chicken, and with the buffalo sauce, it was a hit even with meat-eaters.
- Extra veggies: Adding some finely chopped spinach or kale into the mix boosts the nutrition without changing the beloved flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast Your Spaghetti Squash
Start by cutting your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise—be careful, as it’s a bit tough but well worth the effort. Scoop out the seeds, then drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle salt on the cut sides. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork. This natural roasting brings out the squash’s subtle sweetness, balancing perfectly with the buffalo sauce.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
While the squash roasts, cook your chicken breast however you prefer—I've done everything from poaching to using leftover rotisserie chicken. Shred it well; this helps it mix seamlessly with the buffalo sauce later. If you want extra flavor, toss the chicken in some garlic powder or smoked paprika before shredding.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a big bowl, combine your shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, diced celery, green onions, and red bell pepper. If you like, stir in ranch dressing and blue cheese crumbles for that creamy, tangy kick. Taste the mixture and adjust the heat or creaminess to your liking—it should feel balanced but bold.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once your squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to scrape up the strands a bit, making some space but keeping them mostly in the shell. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each half generously. Pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until everything is warmed through and the cheese slightly melts into the mix.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve found a few little things that make this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe really shine and help avoid common pitfalls, especially with timing and texture.
- Roasting Time Matter: Make sure your spaghetti squash is tender enough to shred easily; undercooking will ruin the texture.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: Brushing the squash with olive oil before roasting keeps it from drying out and adds subtle flavor.
- Balance the Heat: Mix your buffalo sauce thoroughly with the chicken first, then add ranch or cheese to tame spiciness if needed.
- Avoid Watery Fillings: Pat your veggies dry before mixing in to prevent the filling from getting soggy inside the squash.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Garnishes
I like finishing mine with extra chopped green onions for a fresh pop and a few more blue cheese crumbles if I’m feeling indulgent. A drizzle of ranch on top never hurts either—it’s like a cool contrast to the warm spicy filling.
Side Dishes
To keep the meal light, serving a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette works great. Sometimes, I pair it with simple steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out those veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I’ve scooped the buffalo chicken filling into mini bell peppers or baked it in small ramekins to pass around. Stuffed spaghetti squash halves always make an impressive presentation and feel cozy and homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover stuffed squash tightly with plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days, and the flavors even deepen after resting overnight.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen the stuffed squash halves because the texture of the squash can get watery after thawing, but the buffalo chicken filling freezes beautifully on its own. Just thaw and reheat before stuffing fresh squash and baking.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, covered loosely with foil so it heats evenly without drying out. Microwave’s fine too if you’re in a rush, but the oven keeps the texture intact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves prep time. Just shred the chicken and toss it with the buffalo sauce as instructed.
It depends on the buffalo sauce you choose and how much you use. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sauce, or balancing with ranch dressing or blue cheese to cool it down.
Yes, you can prep the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Roast the spaghetti squash just before serving, stuff, and bake. This saves time on busy days.
Yes! All ingredients in this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-sensitive diets. Just double-check any store-bought sauces or dressings for hidden gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe is more than just a dish I make when I want bold flavor with fewer carbs. It feels like a little celebration every time I scoop that spicy, creamy filling out onto my plate. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your go-to meals when you want something both nourishing and truly delicious.
Print
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A flavorful and nutritious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash that combines tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and crunchy vegetables inside roasted spaghetti squash halves. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a family meal and offers a healthy twist on classic buffalo chicken.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 medium spaghetti squash, halved (about 2-2 ½ lbs.)
- 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, white and green parts thinly sliced
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup purchased buffalo sauce or use our Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- ¼ cup creamy ranch dressing or use our Homemade Paleo Ranch Dressing (optional)
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Spaghetti Squash: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast Squash: Roast the spaghetti squash halves in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the flesh is tender and easily shredded with a fork. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Shred Squash: Using a fork, scrape the inside of each squash half to create spaghetti-like strands. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Filling: In the large bowl with the shredded squash, add the cooked shredded chicken, sliced celery, green onions, diced red bell pepper, and buffalo sauce. Mix well until combined.
- Assemble Stuffed Squash: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly back into the spaghetti squash halves, dividing it into four portions.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle creamy ranch dressing over each stuffed squash half and sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken stuffed spaghetti squash warm as a hearty and flavorful main dish.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra buffalo sauce or include some chopped jalapeños.
- You can substitute blue cheese with feta or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dairy-free, omit the ranch dressing and blue cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding; rotisserie chicken works well for a quick option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼th of the recipe
- Calories: 308 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 582 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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