There's just something about the tangy heat of buffalo sauce paired with tender chicken nestled inside sweet, roasted spaghetti squash that feels like a cozy hug for your taste buds. This Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe is one of my go-to meals when I want comfort food with a healthy twist.
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 plenty of dishes with buffalo chicken and spaghetti squash separately, but combining them is a total game-changer. This recipe is packed with flavor, easy to make, and feels special enough for company, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Nutritious Comfort: You get the satisfying protein punch without the carb overload thanks to the spaghetti squash base.
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy ranch and sharp blue cheese balance the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.
- Hands-On Fun: Hollowing out the squash and mixing the filling feels like cooking therapy—you'll love how the flavors meld inside the squash shell.
- Versatility: Whether you want it mild or fiery, dairy-free or loaded with toppings, this recipe adapts beautifully.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient here brings balance: creaminess, heat, crunch, and freshness. When shopping, look for a firm spaghetti squash without soft spots and fresh celery for that perfect crunch in each bite.
- Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded so it easily mixes with the buffalo sauce and stuffing.
- Spaghetti squash: The low-carb, naturally sweet vessel that replaces traditional pasta.
- Celery: Adds a crisp, refreshing bite that contrasts the spicy buffalo flavors.
- Green onions: Their mild onion flavor brightens every forkful.
- Red bell pepper: For a subtle sweetness and color pop.
- Buffalo sauce: Choose your heat level; it’s the star flavor here.
- Creamy ranch dressing: Adds cooling creaminess to temper the spice.
- Blue cheese: Optional, but I always love the tang it brings—like a flavor fireworks show.
Make It Your Way
I love making this buffalo chicken stuffed spaghetti squash recipe my own by switching up the heat or skipping the cheese for a lighter option. Don't be shy to experiment—this dish is forgiving and flexible!
- Variation: Sometimes I add corn or black beans for a southwestern spin that adds some heartiness and keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly by swapping chicken with roasted cauliflower.
- Dairy-Free: Use a vegan ranch and skip the blue cheese—still fantastic!
- Extra Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for a fiery kick.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Spaghetti Squash to Tender Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise—careful, it’s tough! Use a sturdy knife and a little momentum. Scoop out the seeds and drizzle the flesh with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place it cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for about 40 minutes until tender and easily shredded with a fork. The strands will look just like spaghetti—hence the name!
Step 2: Mix the Buffalo Chicken Filling
While the squash roasts, shred your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, diced celery, green onions, and red bell pepper. If you’re using ranch dressing and blue cheese, fold those in now for that creamy, tangy fix. Taste it—this is where you adjust the heat or add a bit more buffalo sauce if you like it saucier.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake
Once the spaghetti squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to fluff the squash inside the shell, creating little strands to mix in with the buffalo chicken mixture. Spoon the filling back into the squash halves, packing it in nicely. Return the stuffed squash to the oven for another 10 minutes to meld the flavors and warm everything through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
After baking, I like to sprinkle a little extra blue cheese or ranch drizzle on top for that restaurant-worthy finish. Grab your fork, and enjoy each spicy, creamy bite right out of the shell.
Top Tip
Buffalo dishes can sometimes get soggy or watery, but I've learned a few tricks to keep this stuffed spaghetti squash perfectly textured every time.
- Pre-Roast the Squash Well: Make sure your spaghetti squash is fully roasted and dry before stuffing to avoid watery filling.
- Drain Excess Sauce: If your buffalo sauce feels too thin, simmer it a minute on the stove for a thicker coating.
- Use Fresh Veggies: Crisp celery and fresh peppers add texture and prevent the filling from becoming mushy.
- Keep It Covered: Cover the squash with foil while baking the second time to keep the moisture balanced and avoid over-browning.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping mine with extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese. Sometimes a drizzle of ranch or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens it up—makes every bite feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Since this dish is packed with flavor, I usually pair it with a simple salad or some steamed green beans. If you want something heartier, roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp cucumber salad complements the heat beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to hollow out smaller squashes and stuff them individually— it looks super impressive and makes a beautiful centerpiece on the table. You can also serve the filling on its own over pasta or greens for a quicker meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so sometimes leftovers taste even better. Just watch for the squash becoming a bit watery and give it a quick stir before reheating.
Freezing
Freezing stuffed spaghetti squash can be tricky because of the moisture, but I wrap each half tightly in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep texture intact.
Reheating
I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the squash from getting mushy compared to microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves prep time, making this recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
The heat level depends on the buffalo sauce you choose. You can pick mild, medium, or hot sauces, or even adjust by mixing in some ranch to tone it down if you prefer less spice.
Yes! Swap the ranch with a dairy-free alternative and skip the blue cheese or use a plant-based version. The buffalo sauce is usually dairy-free, so it’s an easy swap.
Roasting the spaghetti squash cut-side down on a baking sheet is my favorite method—it helps steam the flesh evenly and makes it easy to shred once cooked. You can also microwave it for a quicker method, but roasting gives better flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that feels like indulgence without any guilt. When I serve it, guests always ask for the recipe, and I know you’ll feel that same warm satisfaction when you make it. So grab a squash, fire up your oven, and let the flavors do their magic!
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
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Spaghetti Squash is a flavorful and nutritious dish combining tender chicken breast with tangy buffalo sauce, nestled inside roasted spaghetti squash halves. This easy-to-make recipe offers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables for a satisfying family dinner.
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 buffalo sauce (purchased or homemade)
- ¼ cup creamy ranch dressing (optional, purchased or homemade Paleo Ranch Dressing)
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 and roast for 40-45 minutes until tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the spaghetti squash: Once roasted, use a fork to scrape the flesh into strands, creating the spaghetti-like texture. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine chicken and vegetables: Add the cooked, shredded chicken breast, sliced celery, green onions, and diced red bell pepper to the bowl with the spaghetti squash strands.
- Add buffalo sauce and ranch: Pour the buffalo sauce over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. If desired, add creamy ranch dressing and mix gently to combine all flavors.
- Fill the squash shells: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture back into the spaghetti squash shells, dividing evenly among the two halves.
- Add blue cheese topping: Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top of the stuffed squash halves for added flavor, if using.
- Warm before serving: Optional: return the stuffed squash to the oven for 5-10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to warm through, or serve immediately.
Notes
- Use homemade buffalo sauce and ranch dressing for a fresher, customizable flavor.
- Roast the spaghetti squash a day ahead to save time when assembling the dish.
- Optional blue cheese can be omitted for a milder taste or substituted with feta cheese.
- Leftovers make a great packed lunch and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more buffalo sauce to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ 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: 85 mg
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