Name: Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; ½ cup buffalo sauce; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 green onions, sliced; ¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking to spice up your weeknight routine with something both wholesome and exciting, this Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe will instantly become a go-to favorite. Combining the fiery tang of buffalo sauce with tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, and fresh zucchini, this dish strikes that perfect balance between guilt-free and utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just wanting to shake up dinner for yourself, the Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe never fails to deliver loads of flavor with surprisingly little fuss.

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something so satisfying about a short ingredient list that packs a serious punch. Every addition here is carefully selected to infuse taste, maintain a gorgeous texture, or add a burst of color to the Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe. Let’s break down each component:

Zucchinis: Serve as the fresh, sturdy vessel and become beautifully tender during baking—look for medium zucchinis for perfect individual portions.
Shredded chicken: Use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken for convenience, ensuring hearty protein in every bite.
Buffalo sauce: The star player that offers bold, spicy flavor—pick your heat level, homemade or store-bought both work well.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, creamy meltiness that blends perfectly with spicy chicken.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, tangy notes and golden color after baking.
Green onions: Freshly sliced for a pop of crunch and color on top.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing: The classic drizzling finish to cool the heat and tie it all together.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors; season the zucchini to taste.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchinis

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish so the zucchini doesn’t stick. Slice your zucchinis lengthwise, then use a spoon to gently carve out the seeds and a bit of the flesh, leaving about a quarter-inch border. This creates a perfect “boat” shape ready to hold all that delicious filling. Give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then arrange them cut-side up in the prepared dish.

Step 2: Mix Up the Buffalo Chicken Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together your cooked, shredded chicken and buffalo sauce until every strand is glossy and fiery. Take a moment to savor that irresistible spicy aroma wafting up! If you love extra heat, feel free to stir in a dash of crushed red pepper flakes here. Otherwise, stick to your favorite buffalo sauce—the beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe is how easily it adapts to your tastebuds.

Step 3: Stuff and Top the Boats

Spoon the spicy chicken mixture generously into each hollowed zucchini shell, pressing it down just a little to fill every nook and cranny. Don’t worry if they seem heaping—it just means more flavor in every forkful! Afterward, sprinkle each with an even mix of mozzarella and cheddar. This duo melts and bubbles to create that signature cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake to Tender, Melty Perfection

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the magic happen for 20 to 25 minutes. The zucchini boats should emerge tender but still holding their shape, with cheese gloriously melted and golden. You might notice some irresistible bubbling along the sides! Remove from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before finishing with your favorite drizzle.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, give your Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe a generous drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing (or both, if you can’t decide). Scatter chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, zesty crunch. Grab a fork and dig in while the cheese is still melty—it’s impossible to resist!

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnishes make this dish next-level. Toss on extra sliced green onions, a touch of chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra buffalo sauce for those who can handle the heat. Crumbled blue cheese is divine for a savory punch, while a light sprinkle of black pepper on top gives a hint of sophistication.

Side Dishes

While hearty enough to stand alone, Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats pair beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, crunchy celery and carrots, or roasted sweet potatoes. For extra comfort, try a scoop of cauliflower rice or a cool slaw to balance the spicy, cheesy filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little playful! Arrange the boats on a big platter for sharing family-style, or slice them into bite-size pieces to serve as appetizers at your next game day party. Guest coming over? Line them up on a wooden board with dipping bowls of ranch and blue cheese for an irresistible, interactive spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe make fantastic lunches. Just pop them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as they rest, so you get a kick of spicy, cheesy goodness every time.

Freezing

While zucchini can soften a bit upon thawing, you can freeze these boats for meal prep success. Let them cool completely, wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap, and pack into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftover boats in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 10 to 15 minutes). You can also microwave them on a plate for 2–3 minutes for a quicker fix; add a fresh drizzle of ranch or blue cheese if you like before serving.

FAQs

Can I use different meats instead of chicken in this Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe?

Absolutely! Cooked shredded turkey, ground beef, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well. Just mix them with buffalo sauce in place of chicken for a similar spicy, satisfying result.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use a plant-based ranch or blue cheese dressing for drizzling. The Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe holds up beautifully to these adaptations.

How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?

Make sure you don’t scoop out too much of the zucchini flesh—leave at least a quarter-inch thickness so they hold up during baking. Also, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper before filling helps draw out some excess moisture, keeping the boats tender but not mushy.

Can I assemble these ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the chicken filling and hollow your zucchinis a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready. This method makes the Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights or meal prep.

What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?

Go with your personal favorite—some like it mild and buttery, others crave serious heat. Homemade buffalo sauce always shines, but plenty of store-bought versions do the trick if you’re short on time. The key is finding a sauce that makes your tastebuds happy!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe enough for anyone craving all the flavor of classic buffalo wings but with a fresh, wholesome twist. It’s one of my go-to choices for impressing friends or sneaking more veggies into dinner. Give it a whirl—and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your recipe roster!

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and satisfying recipe for Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats, perfect for a low-carb, high-protein meal. These zucchini boats are filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese, then finished with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Boats:

4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
Salt and black pepper to taste

Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
½ cup buffalo sauce
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions, sliced
¼ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare zucchini: Scoop out the center seeds and flesh of each zucchini half to create a boat, leaving about ¼-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
Fill zucchini: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce. Fill each zucchini boat with the chicken mixture and top with cheeses.
Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.
Finish: Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle with green onions, and serve.