Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

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If you love bold flavors packed into a wholesome, fun-to-eat meal, this Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe is about to become your new favorite! Imagine tender zucchini halved and hollowed, then filled with a creamy, spicy mix of shredded chicken, tangy hot sauce, sharp cheddar, and a hint of blue cheese—all baked to perfection. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the zesty kick of buffalo chicken with a fresh, light twist that makes every bite feel like a flavorful celebration. Whether you’re craving a tasty dinner or an impressive appetizer for friends, these boats deliver all the excitement of classic buffalo chicken with a healthy, veggie-packed upgrade.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each carefully chosen ingredient plays a vital role—fresh zucchini provides a crisp yet tender base, the cooked chicken offers hearty protein, and the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce brings that signature buffalo punch. Creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise balance the spice, while cheddar and blue cheese add irresistible richness and texture.

• Zucchini (5 small or 4 medium): Your boat’s hull, providing a fresh, mild flavor and a sturdy vessel for all the goodies.
• Cooked chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is perfect here for flavor and convenience, giving you tender, juicy meat without extra fuss.
• Frank’s Red Hot Sauce (1/3 cup): The essential buffalo sauce that brings just the right amount of heat and tang.
• Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess and a subtle tang without weighing down the dish.
• Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Enhances richness and helps bind the filling together perfectly.
• Lemon juice (1/2 teaspoon): A bright note that lifts all the flavors and balances out the richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1/3 cup): Brings sharpness and a satisfyingly gooey texture when baked.
• Green onions (1/2 bunch): Adds a gentle crunch and fresh bite; the white parts go inside, and the green parts serve as garnish.
• Blue cheese (3 tablespoons): Crumbled on top for that classic buffalo chicken depth, salty and bold.
• Ritz crackers (5): Crushed over the tops for an irresistible crunchy finish.
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Perfect for drizzling or dipping, enhancing the buffalo vibe.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning each layer just right.
• Nonstick spray: Keeps the zucchini boats from sticking and ensures beautiful browning.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375 degrees F. This crucial step sets the stage for perfectly baked zucchini boats with tender flesh and a lightly crisp exterior.

Step 2: Slice and Season the Zucchini

Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, aiming for even slices so they bake uniformly. Spraying your baking sheet and the cut sides with nonstick spray ensures they won’t stick, while a sprinkle of salt and pepper preps them for roasting.

Step 3: Bake the Zucchini Halves

Place the zucchini cut side up on the prepared sheet and bake for 15 minutes. This softens them enough to scoop out the centers, creating those classic, sturdy “boats.”

Step 4: Mix the Spicy Chicken Filling

While the zucchini bakes, toss your cooked chicken in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce to coat every shred with that signature buffalo kick. This step is where the flavor starts to shine in the Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe.

Step 5: Combine the Filling Ingredients

Add Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and shredded cheddar cheese to your buffalo-coated chicken. Stir everything together for a creamy, rich filling that’s perfectly balanced in heat and tang.

Step 6: Chop and Add the Green Onion Whites

Chop the green onions and mix the white parts into the filling for a subtle crunch and mild onion flavor. Save the green tops for lovely, fresh garnishes at the end.

Step 7: Hollow Out the Zucchini Boats

Once your zucchini halves are ready, carefully cut around the edges of the centers with a knife, then scoop out the flesh. This creates a perfect cavity for the filling.

Step 8: Prepare the Zucchini Flesh

Chop the scooped zucchini finely and squeeze out the excess water—this prevents sogginess and keeps each bite satisfying.

Step 9: Fold the Zucchini Flesh Into the Chicken Mixture

Adding the drained zucchini flesh to the chicken mix brings all the flavors together while keeping the filling light and balanced.

Step 10: Stuff the Boats and Add Toppings

Spoon the chicken mixture into each zucchini boat generously. Sprinkle blue cheese evenly on top, adding that classic tangy punch.

Step 11: Add the Crunchy Crust

Crush Ritz crackers by hand—no need for perfection—and sprinkle the crumbs over the boats for an irresistible crunch once baked.

Step 12: Bake Until Tender and Golden

Return the stuffed zucchini boats to the oven at 375 degrees for 10 minutes, until tender. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to achieve a gorgeous golden crust.

Step 13: Serve with Your Favorite Dressing

Bring everything together by serving these spicy delights with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, enhancing the rich and zesty buffalo experience.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs, especially the reserved green parts of the green onions, add a burst of bright color and a mild onion bite. A sprinkle of extra blue cheese crumbles or a drizzle of ranch dressing makes the presentation pop and the flavors even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe with a crisp side salad or some crunchy celery sticks for that classic buffalo accomplice. Creamy coleslaw or a light quinoa salad also complements the spicy, creamy textures beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these boats on a rustic wooden board for a casual vibe or plate individually for a fancy appetizer spread. You can even turn the filling into stuffed bell peppers for a colorful twist or use mini zucchini for perfect bite-sized party treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They stay flavorful and tender, making a quick and satisfying meal the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the stuffed boats before baking. Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat your zucchini boats in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it keeps the crust crisp and the filling luscious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of hot sauce in the Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe?

Absolutely! While Frank’s Red Hot Sauce is classic for buffalo flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite hot sauces. Just keep in mind the heat level and flavor profile to ensure it complements the other ingredients.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas or a shredded plant-based chicken alternative. The tangy buffalo sauce and creamy filling will keep it delicious and satisfying.

Can I prepare this recipe without blue cheese?

Of course! If blue cheese isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it or swap for extra cheddar or a milder cheese. Ranch dressing as a garnish will still give you that great buffalo experience.

What can I do to make the zucchini less watery?

Draining the zucchini flesh thoroughly by squeezing out the liquid is key to preventing sogginess. Baking the zucchini halves before scooping also helps remove excess moisture.

Can I make these boats ahead of time for a party?

Yes! Assemble the zucchini boats ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake them just before serving to enjoy warm, melty cheese and that perfect crispy topping.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so rewarding about this Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe—layers of spicy, creamy, and crunchy textures all wrapped up in vibrant, fresh zucchini. It’s a fantastic way to bring bold buffalo flavors to your family table while sneaking in some veggies effortlessly. Give it a try soon; I promise these boats will bring smiles and a little spicy joy to your mealtime!

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