Grilled Buffalo Chicken Poppers

These Grilled Buffalo Chicken Poppers are not your average jalapeno poppers! Mini sweet peppers stuffed with an easy buffalo chicken filling made from cream cheese, buffalo sauce, chicken, & bacon. 

INGREDIENTS

• 6 slices center-cut bacon, cut into 1/4-inch strips
• 10–12 mini sweet peppers (see Recipe Notes)
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (about 2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• for serving, as desired: buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, chopped cilantro or parsley

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prep: 
   1. Cook the bacon: Add the bacon to a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is rendered & crisp. Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside. 

1. Slice the peppers: Use a small knife to remove 1/3 of each pepper lengthwise (reference photos, above). Use a small spoon or a finger to remove the seeds & any excess ribs from the inside of the pepper. Trim any excess stems as needed. Set aside.
2. Make the buffalo chicken filling: Add the bacon, cream cheese, chicken, cheddar, and buffalo sauce to a medium bowl. Use an electric mixer or wooden spoon to combine. 
3. Assemble the buffalo chicken poppers: Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the buffalo chicken mixture into each prepared pepper. Use the back of the spoon or your fingers, as needed, to press the buffalo chicken filling into the nooks & crannies of the pepper. 
4. Chill: Place the assembled buffalo chicken poppers in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour, or the freezer for at least 20 minutes. 
5. Preheat your grill: Prepare your grill for medium heat, about 450 degrees F.
6. Grill the buffalo chicken poppers: Place the poppers on the grill grates over direct heat. It helps to place the poppers such that the length of the pepper runs along the grates – you can cradle a popper between two grates. Grill until the peppers are slightly blistered & charred, & the poppers have warmed through, about 5-7 minutes at 400 degrees F. Use a grill spatula to transfer the poppers to a serving dish.
7. Serve: As soon as the poppers are cool enough to handle, serve topped with extra buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, & a sprinkling of fresh cilantro or parsley as desired. Enjoy!

Credit to: playswellwithbutter