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    Home » Recipes » Appetizer Recipes

    Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

    Published: Jul 19, 2023 · Modified: Jan 7, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Looking for a delicious, healthy, and low-carb meal idea? Buffalo chicken zucchini boats uses tender fresh zucchini stuffed with a flavorful, creamy buffalo chicken filling! It's easy enough for weeknights and delicious too!

    Zucchini buffalo chicken boats on a plate with a fork turned upside down on the plate.

    Give it a try and see how this low-carb dinner recipe quickly becomes an essential part of your meal rotation.

    It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser with everyone at the dinner table -- even if they don't want or need to eat low-carb!

    This was inspired by my stuffed zucchini boat recipe on this site, and pairs well with this meaty zucchini casserole and sausage stuffed butternut squash recipe.

    Why You Will Love Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

    • Easy to prepare so you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
    • Perfect for anyone on a low-carb diet or looking for a keto-friendly meal.
    • Versatile recipe. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds by adding or swapping out any vegetables, spices, or cheeses you prefer.
    • Serve it up in a variety of ways! It works as an appetizer, side dish, or main course depending on the portion size.

    Ingredients

    Let's take a look at what you need to make zucchini buffalo chicken boats.

    Ingredients to make buffalo chicken zucchini boats on the table.
    • Zucchini: The long narrow shape of zucchini works perfectly to make stuffed boats but you can also use yellow squash as well.
    • Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Use full-fat dairy for the best flavor though you can try low-fat versions if you prefer though the flavors may be slightly different.
    • Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand and make it as hot as you like it. You can also opt to use homemade buffalo sauce. I've got this Wild Wings copycat buffalo sauce.
    • Canned Chicken : Canned chicken makes this chicken recipe super easy for weeknights. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded or diced chicken as well.
    • Green Onions: Use leeks, chives, diced white or yellow onion instead.

    See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this stuffed zucchini boats with chicken.

    • Spicy: Add a bit of chili pepper flakes, diced jalapeno pepper, our jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the Buffalo chicken mixture for a bit of heat. You can also serve up our homemade hot pepper sauce on the table as well.
    • Sour Cream: It has a slightly different flavor but you can use Greek yogurt instead for a similar creamy texture.
    • Add Crunch: Add some diced celery or carrots into your Buffalo chicken mixture before spooning it into the zucchini boats.
    • Add Cheese: Add a handful of cheddar, Colby Jack, or blue cheese to your chicken mixture or add a sprinkling of shredded cheese on top before baking.
    • More Flavor: Add a drizzle of blue cheese or ranch dressing to chicken mixture to taste before stuffing.

    How to Make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

    This zucchini boats recipe goes together in just a few simple steps. Here's a look at the highlights but be sure to check the recipe card before getting started.

    1. Slice the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out all the seeds with a spoon.
    2. Beat the cream cheese, sour cream, buffalo sauce, salt, and garlic powder together until it's smooth.
    Zucchini sliced in half lengthwise and the seeds are scooped out.
    Sour cream and cream cheese with buffalo sauce in a bowl.
    1. Add the chicken and green onions to the bowl and stir until well-combined.
    2. Place the zucchini on a foil or parchment lined baking pan and spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into the zucchini boats.
    Chicken and green onions are added to the creamy mixture to make the filling for the zucchini.
    Buffalo chicken mixture is stuffed into zucchini boats and laid out on a baking pan.
    1. Bake them in the oven for 20 minutes or until tops begin to brown.
    Stuffed zucchini boats are on a baking sheet after cooking.

    Hint: Make sure to taste your chicken mixture and adjust the spiciness to suit personal tastes before stuffing inside zucchini.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our zucchini pizza boats or these Air Fryer Zucchini Fries!

    A buffalo chicken zucchini boat on a white plate with another one stacked on top and cut in half to show inside.

    Storage

    Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for 1-2 months. Allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. If frozen, thaw the zucchini boats in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

    Reheat: Place them on a pan and heat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You could also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be aware that this method may result in a slightly softer texture.

    Can I make zucchini boats ahead of time and freeze?

    Yes, you can prepare the zucchini boats ahead of time and store them in the freezer or refrigerator until you're ready to bake. In the fridge, you can do this 2-3 days in advance.

    For longer storage, freeze the uncooked zucchini boats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once frozen transfer them into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months.

    When you're ready to enjoy, bake the frozen zucchini boats in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

    Freezing raw zucchini may slightly alter the texture of the zucchini boats.

    What to Serve with Zucchini Boats

    These spicy chicken zucchini boats are a versatile dish for serving. Here are a few ideas for inspiration.

    • When serving it as a main dish, add your favorite healthy side dishes! It goes great with a variety of sides including this bell pepper salad, air fryer hasselback potatoes, or air fryer parmesan potatoes.
    • Garnish each zucchini boat with a sprinkling of crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of additional buffalo sauce for color and punch of flavor.
    • Cut it up into small pieces and serve it as an appetizer for parties along with other favorites such as taco egg rolls, Ritz cracker sandwiches, and pizza pinwheels.

    Every delicious meal should be served with a side dish that is just as good. Find some ideas at What to Serve With Ratatouille.

    Tips

    To help you create the perfect zucchini boats, follow these tips:

    • Choose medium-sized zucchini with a firm texture and even green color so they hold their shape while baking.
    • Use a spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the zucchini flesh, leaving a small intact border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling over.
    • Taste and adjust the spiciness your chicken mixture to suit personal tastes before stuffing inside zucchini.

    FAQ

    How can I make a vegetarian version of these zucchini boats?

    Swap out the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tempeh, tofu, or a meatless "chicken" product. Cook and season the vegetarian protein with buffalo sauce and then mix with the rest of the filling ingredients.

    How can I adjust the spice level?

    All you need to do is adjust the amount of buffalo sauce you use or opt for a milder sauce variety. You can also add additional hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy a spicier kick.

    Are these boats keto-friendly?

    Yes, they are an excellent choice for those on a keto or low-carb diet. Zucchini is a low-carb vegetable, and the chicken mixture provides a good source of protein and healthy fats. Just be sure to choose a buffalo sauce without added sugars.

    An overhead image of zucchini boats with buffalo chicken on a platter.

    More Zucchini Recipes

    Do you like zucchini? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • A plate of sauteed zucchini and onions on a plate with a fork propped on the edge.
      Sauteed Zucchini and Onions
    • A plate of zucchini casserole stuffing on the table with a napkin and casserole dish in the background.
      Zucchini Casserole Stuffing
    • A fork cutting into a zucchini boat filled with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese on a white plate.
      Easy Zucchini Boats with Ground Beef
    • Parmesan Zucchini Bites - Air Fried, Baked or Deep Fried

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Zucchini buffalo chicken boats on a plate with a fork turned upside down on the plate.

    Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

    Karin and Ken
    Looking for a delicious, healthy, and low-carb meal idea? Buffalo chicken zucchini boats include a flavorful buffalo chicken filling inside a tender zucchini.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 212 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • cutting board
    • Sharp knife
    • spoon
    • rimmed baking sheet
    • Aluminum foil
    • mixing bowl
    • Hand mixer
    • Rubber spatula

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 medium sized zucchini
    • 4 oz cream cheese softened
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2-4 tablespoon buffalo sauce depending on how hot you prefer
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 10 oz canned chicken
    • ½ cup chopped green onions
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400ºF.
    • Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil.
    • Slice zucchini lengthwise and scoop seeds out. Place them on prepared baking sheet.
    • In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, buffalo sauce, salt, and garlic powder until smooth.
    • Add chicken and green onions. Stir until well-combined.
    • Spoon mixture into zucchini boats.
    • Bake for 20 minutes or until tops begin to brown.

    Notes

    • Choose medium-sized zucchini with a firm texture and even green color so they hold their shape while baking.
    • Use a spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the zucchini flesh, leaving a small in tact border around the edges to prevent the filling from spilling over.
    • Taste and adjust the spiciness your chicken mixture to suit personal tastes before stuffing inside zucchini.
    What to Serve With Ratatouille will show you many different side dish ideas that will make your dish even better. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 212kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 15gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 843mgPotassium: 406mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 736IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 67mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 30 minute skillet dinner, buffalo chicken zucchini boats, chicken stuffed zucchini boats, chicken zucchini boats
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats stacked on a plate.

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    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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