Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - ½ cup buffalo sauce - 1 cup cream cheese - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - ¼ cup green onions - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil This recipe starts with some key ingredients. First, you need zucchinis. They serve as the perfect base for our stuffed dish. Next, you'll want cooked shredded chicken. It gives the dish its heartiness. Buffalo sauce adds a spicy kick that makes it fun. Cream cheese brings a rich creaminess that balances the heat. For toppings, we have shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds flavor. Green onions give a fresh crunch and pop of color. Garlic powder enhances the taste without being overpowering. Be sure to season with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors. Lastly, a drizzle of olive oil keeps everything moist while baking. When you gather these ingredients, you're ready to create a dish that’s not just tasty but also colorful and fun. Enjoy the process! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step helps the zucchini cook evenly. 2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. This creates a boat shape for the filling. Place the zucchini halves cut-side up in a greased baking dish. 1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken and buffalo sauce. 2. Add the cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. 3. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. 4. Mix everything together well until it's fully combined. This filling should be creamy and flavorful. 1. Generously fill each zucchini boat with the buffalo chicken mixture. Press down slightly to pack it in. 2. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini. 3. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top. This adds moisture and helps the cheese brown. 4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The zucchinis should be tender, and the cheese should be bubbly and golden. 5. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy your tasty creation! - Adjust buffalo sauce for spice level: You can change the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce. If you like it spicy, add a bit more. If you prefer mild, use less sauce. Taste as you go, so it fits your liking. - Ensure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing: Soft cream cheese blends well with other ingredients. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before you start. This makes mixing easy and gives a smooth filling. - Garnish with extra green onions and buffalo sauce: Sprinkling more green onions adds color and crunch. A drizzle of buffalo sauce on top makes the dish pop. It's also a fun way to show off your skills! - Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal: A side salad adds freshness to your plate. Try a simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. This makes your meal complete and satisfying. Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. Look for ones that are bright in color and free of blemishes. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix in some ranch dressing to balance the heat. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist on flavor. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Consider serving these zucchini boats with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to enhance the buffalo flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. I often use shredded rotisserie chicken for ease. It saves time and tastes great. Another option is pulled pork. The flavors from the buffalo sauce still shine through. Both choices give a nice twist to the recipe. You can even mix and match. Try half chicken and half pork! If you want a vegetarian meal, black beans are a fantastic choice. They add protein and fiber. Lentils also work well for a hearty filling. Both options soak up the buffalo sauce flavor. This makes a tasty, meat-free dish that everyone will enjoy. Don't forget to add some spices for extra zest! For cheese lovers, trying different kinds can be fun. Goat cheese brings a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with buffalo sauce. You can also use mozzarella for a milder taste. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Mixing cheeses can create a unique experience. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand! To store cooked zucchini boats, let them cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat them, reheat in the microwave or oven. Cover with foil if using the oven to keep them moist. You can also freeze these stuffed zucchini boats. Wrap each boat in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can prep buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats ahead of time. Start by making the filling. Mix the cooked chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Then, store this mixture in the fridge for up to a day. You can also cut and scoop the zucchinis ahead of time. Just keep them in water to prevent browning. When you’re ready to cook, fill the zucchini boats and bake as instructed. These zucchini boats pair well with many sides. A fresh salad adds color and crunch. Try a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. Crispy sweet potato fries are another great option. They offer a sweet contrast to the spicy filling. You can also serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Adjusting the heat is easy! If you like it mild, use less buffalo sauce. Start with ¼ cup and taste the mixture. For more heat, add more sauce or even some hot sauce. You can also use spicy cheese for extra flavor. If you want to tone it down, mix in a bit of sour cream or yogurt to the filling. This balances the spice while keeping it creamy. Buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats offer a tasty and healthy meal option. We discussed the main ingredients you need, like zucchinis, chicken, and cheese. You learned how to prepare, fill, and bake them while adding your favorite toppings. Remember, adjust the heat to your taste. From different proteins to various cheeses, feel free to make this recipe your own. With these tips, enjoy your cooking and impress family and friends with a delicious dish!$

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with a spicy buffalo chicken mixture, topped with cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
0.5 cup buffalo sauce
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
0.25 cup green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats. Place them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
Generously fill each zucchini boat with the buffalo chicken mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure it's packed.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed zucchinis.
Drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added moisture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with extra buffalo sauce and chopped green onions for garnish.

Keyword buffalo chicken, stuffed vegetables, zucchini boats