Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and healthy twists on classic favorites, then you’re going to absolutely love these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats. This dish takes tender zucchini halves and transforms them into little flavor-packed vessels loaded with a creamy, spicy buffalo chicken filling that hits all the right notes—zingy, tangy, and utterly satisfying. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy comfort food while sneaking in some veggies, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual get-together where you want to impress without too much fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats really comes down to a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—from the freshness of the zucchini providing a crisp base to the creamy cottage cheese balancing the heat, and the feta adding that delightful tangy finish. Let’s dive into what you’ll need before the kitchen adventure begins.

• 2 large zucchini (795 grams): Perfectly sized as the “boats” to hold all that delicious filling.
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (230 grams): The hearty protein star that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
• 1 cup 1% cottage cheese (264 grams): Blended smooth, it adds creaminess without heaviness.
• 1/2 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce (127 mls): For that signature buffalo kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• 3/4 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a subtle herbal brightness to contrast the spice.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a warm depth without overpowering the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Just a hint of sweetness and savoriness blended in.
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley: Freshens up the filling with a mild, grassy note.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors nicely.
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper: Adds just a touch of heat and spice complexity.
• 1/4 cup light feta cheese (57 grams): Crumbled on top for that salty, creamy finish after baking.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F. This temperature is ideal for roasting the zucchini until tender but still firm, and for baking the cheese to a bubbly, golden perfection. While the oven warms, you can get started on prepping your zucchini and mixing up that incredible filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Take those large zucchini and carefully cut each one in half lengthwise—this creates your “boats.” Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to make room for the filling. The scooped out bits can be discarded or reserved for another use, like blending into a soup or salad.

Step 3: Blend the Cottage Cheese

Pop the cottage cheese into a blender or food processor and blend it until completely smooth. This step is key because it turns a lumpy ingredient into a silky base that binds the filling together and keeps it creamy without any heaviness.

Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add your shredded cooked chicken, the smooth cottage cheese, Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, and all your dried herbs and spices. Mix everything really well so every bite is bursting with flavor. This is where the magic of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats happens, as the creamy, spicy mixture comes alive.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake the Zucchini Boats

Spoon the prepared filling evenly into each zucchini half, packing it in gently but firmly. Place the stuffed boats on a baking sheet or dish, then slide them into the oven for about 20 minutes. After that, sprinkle the light feta cheese on top and return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get soggy—you want the zucchini to be tender yet still have a little bite, and the cheese beautifully melted and slightly browned.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Garnishes

To make these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats look as fantastic as they taste, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on top adds a creamy, cooling contrast that balances the spicy buffalo sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

These zucchini boats are fantastic on their own as a hearty snack or light meal, but pairing them with a simple salad like crisp romaine tossed with cucumber and a lemon vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch. Roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa also make wonderful, wholesome companions that round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these at a party, try slicing the zucchini boats crosswise into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing. You could also set up a small assembly bar for guests to top their stuffed boats with different sauces, crumbled cheeses, or fresh herbs. The versatility of Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats makes them perfect for so many occasions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats left over (which is impressive because they tend to disappear fast!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep deliciously for up to 3 days, making for an easy, ready-made meal during a busy week.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but a bit tricky due to the zucchini’s water content. If you want to freeze the boats, it’s best to undercook them slightly before freezing. Wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the remaining zucchini boats on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but may make the zucchini a little mushy, so oven reheating is preferred for that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Cooked chicken breast works wonderfully here, and rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor with minimal effort. Just shred or chop whichever you use into bite-sized pieces before mixing.

Is there a dairy-free way to make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats?

Yes! You can substitute the cottage cheese with a creamy dairy-free yogurt or cashew cream, and swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese alternative or omit it entirely. The buffalo sauce itself is typically dairy-free, so the spicy kick stays intact.

How spicy are these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats?

They have a noticeable but manageable heat level thanks to the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. If you prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce or balance it by adding more cottage cheese. For extra spicy lovers, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Definitely! The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, stuff the zucchini boats and proceed with the baking instructions as usual. This can save a lot of time on busy days.

What makes Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats a healthy meal option?

This recipe is packed with lean protein from the chicken and uses zucchini as a nutrient-rich, low-carb base. The cottage cheese adds a boost of calcium and protein with less fat, and using light feta keeps the cheese indulgence balanced. It’s a smart way to enjoy flavorful food without sacrificing health.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats that makes you want to keep coming back for more. They’re a fantastic blend of spicy, creamy, and fresh that manages to feel comforting while still being wholesome. Whether you’re sharing them with family, bringing them to a potluck, or just in the mood for something deliciously different, these zucchini boats will not disappoint. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite twist on buffalo chicken right here!

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