Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a flavorful, healthy twist on classic buffalo chicken. Hollowed zucchini halves are filled with a creamy mixture of shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and Franks Red Hot Sauce, then baked until tender and topped with light feta cheese. Perfect as a low-carb, protein-packed meal or appetizer with a spicy kick and a satisfying texture.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 2 large zucchini (795 grams)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (230 grams)
- 1 cup 1% cottage cheese (264 grams)
- 1/2 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce (127 mL)
- 3/4 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup light feta cheese (57 grams)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the zucchini boats.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center, creating hollow boats without piercing the skin.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy, ensuring it blends well with the chicken mixture.
- Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, blended cottage cheese, Franks Red Hot Sauce, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a well-incorporated filling.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the hollowed-out zucchini halves, distributing the mixture without overflowing.
- Bake Initial Layer: Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until zucchini begins to soften and filling heats through.
- Add Feta Cheese: Remove the baking sheet and sprinkle the light feta cheese on top of each zucchini boat.
- Final Bake: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid overcooking and mushy texture. The feta should slightly melt and brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve warm as a delicious, healthy meal or appetizer.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm zucchinis for best results to maintain structure when baking.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Leftover filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cottage cheese and feta with vegan alternatives.
- Ensure not to overbake zucchini boats to keep them from becoming too soft or mushy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini boat
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken, zucchini boats, stuffed zucchini, healthy recipes, low carb, light cheese, spicy chicken dish