These zucchini boats are filled with a delicious buffalo chicken filling, topped with yummy Mozzarella cheese then baked to a gooey, low carb delight.

Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables. It’s so easy to cook and there are SO many different ways to use it. It’s also a favorite for many to grow in their vegetable gardens (favorite yes, easy…no…the bugs and pests seem to like zucchini too haha). Stuffing in boats is definitely one of my favorite ways to cook zucchini. There are SO many options! You could do taco boats, you could use shrimp or ground turkey, southwestern boats…the list is endless. By far, though, the best is the buffalo chicken zucchini boat. You can make it as spicy or as mild as you like and you can play around with the ingredients a bit and add in whatever you and the fam like.

WHY CHOOSE ZUCCHINI?

Zucchini is low in calories and carbohydrates but loaded with nutrients and fiber. It has Potassium, Manganese, Vitamins C, K and B6. Research suggests that Vitamin B6 has a role in preventing Diabetes as it helps to regulate Blood Sugar levels. Zucchini is also thought to aid in digestion, inflammation and is thought to be beneficial for eye health.

TIPS FOR BUFFALO CHICKEN ZUCCHINI BOATS

1. Personally, I like to use Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast but feel free to use whatever you like. Ground Chicken or Turkey work well in this dish as well as Chicken Thighs.
2. I am a bit particular with my Buffalo sauce. I tend to make my own (it’s not that hard) but if I’m out of the homemade I will use Frank’s Red Hot since that’s what my family likes. Again, this is a matter of preference.
3. With the Ranch dressing, use what you like. I try to keep my sodium and fat calories down so I use the Bolthouse Farms Ranch dressing. You can find it in the refrigerated dressing section in your grocery store. My store has it in the produce section. It’s wonderful and I use it for SO much! It’s a Greek yogurt dressing so, as far as dressings go, it’s a bit healthier than the “shelf stuff”.
4. I always use Part Skim Mozzarella and always get the block of Mozz instead of the shredded stuff. The shredded cheeses are covered in chemicals to prevent clumping. It will take you, literally, 2 minutes to shred your own cheese for a lifetime without those chemicals.
5. If you prefer yellow squash or have that on hand from your garden, feel free to use that… or you could mix them up & have a wonderful array of color for dinner!

HOW TO MAKE BUFFALO CHICKEN ZUCCHINI BOATS

First, wash the zucchini under some cool water to get all the crud off the outside. Next, you’ll slice off the top part of the zucchini right where the stem grows out. Lay the squash on a cutting board and slice it in half lengthwise so you get 2 long, equal pieces. After that, you’ll take a small spoon and scoop out the insides (seeds and a little bit of the meat) to create a nice “boat”.

To make the filling, boil your chicken breast (or sauteed your ground turkey/chicken) and remove once cooked through. Shred the chicken and place in a large bowl. Next, add some Extra Virgin Olive Oil to a saute pan. Once the oil is heated through, add in the diced onion and cook for a few minutes until translucent and soft. Add in the garlic and pepper for a minute, until fragrant. Add the veggies to the chicken bowl. Finally, you’ll add in the hot sauce and mix well to incorporate.

Stuff the zucchini boats with the chicken mixture and place in a row on an oiled baking sheet. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 minutes at 400 degrees. Once cooked through, remove from the oven and drizzle with Ranch dressing.

Voila!! A low carb, delicious dinner made in no time!

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

ZUCCHINI BOAT VARIATIONS

Taco Boats: ground beef/chicken/turkey and taco seasoning (we make our own to keep sodium low), black beans, cheddar cheese. Topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado and sour cream.

Southwestern Boats: ground beef/chicken/turkey and southwest seasoning, black beans corn and cheddar cheese. Topped with sour cream, guacamole and tortilla strips

Asian Boats: ground chicken, onion, soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions, mushrooms

Vegetarian: literally any vegetable mixture you can imagine

There are SO many options, you could make zucchini boats once a week for 3 months and make something different each time!

These are the best Buffalo Chicken Zucchini boats and they will have your family asking for more. Stuffed with a delicious mixture of chicken and hot sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. This will become a regular staple in your rotation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

C k Time: 30-40 minutes

Servings: 2-4 servings

Difficulty level: Easy

INGREDIENTS

2 medium, whole Zucchini

1 lb chicken breast (or other protein of choice), cooked and shredded

1-2 ounces of cream cheese

1/4 cup of Ranch dressing

1/8 – 1/4 cup of Buffalo sauce (go lighter if it’s not homemade)

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded by hand)

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 clove garlic

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut zucchini lengthwise to form 2 long halves. Hollow out the seeds and some of the zucchini meat to form zucchini “boats”. Place the boats on a baking sheet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sauteed onion and garlic, cream cheese, and buffalo sauce.
3. Top the zucchini boats with the shredded mozzarella.
4. Place in the preheated (400 degrees) oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the zucchini softens.
5. Carefully remove the baking sheet, drizzle with the Ranch dressing.

You can also add cooked celery to your onion/garlic mixture. You could add a bit of Ranch to the chicken mixture before placing in boats.

A couple topping ideas would be celery, scallions and parsley or cilantro.

Play around with your ingredients and toppings. You could even turn dinner into a zucchini boat night! Make a couple different fillings and have a few toppings available…. zucchini boat night instead of taco night! You’re welcome!

As always, please let me know what you think and if you have any questions. If you need some more ideas to get you started, let us know!

Please feel free to CONTACT US if you need us. We’re here to help!

~~ Dani S.