High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a fantastic option for a spicy, low-carb dinner. They combine tender zucchini with a creamy, flavorful buffalo chicken filling, making them perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight meals. Whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding the family, these stuffed zucchini boats stand out with their bold flavor and nutritious ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and low in carbs, these zucchini boats support a balanced diet.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty Frank’s RedHot and creamy cottage cheese creates a delightful taste that will satisfy your cravings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These boats can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for meal planning.
• Adaptable: You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats easier. Gather these essential items before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for cooking, ensuring all zucchini boats cook uniformly.
• Blender or food processor: Helps achieve a smooth cottage cheese mixture, which integrates well with the other ingredients.

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Ingredients

For the Zucchini Boats

• 4 medium zucchini (approx. 795 grams)

For the Filling

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (230 grams)
• 1 cup 1% cottage cheese (264 grams)
• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce (127 mL)
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For Topping

• 1/4 cup light feta cheese (57 grams)

How to Make High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your zucchini boats cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

• Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.
• Use a spoon to scoop out the center of each half, creating space for the filling.

Step 3: Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor:
* Add the cottage cheese.
* Blend until smooth. This will help create a creamy texture for your filling.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

In a mixing bowl:
* Combine the shredded chicken, blended cottage cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt.
* Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 5: Fill the Zucchini Boats

On a parchment-lined baking sheet:
* Place the prepared zucchini halves cut side up.
* Generously fill each boat with the buffalo chicken mixture.

Step 6: Bake

Place your filled zucchini boats in the preheated oven:
* Bake for 20 minutes until zucchini is tender but not mushy.

Step 7: Add Feta Cheese

After 20 minutes:
* Remove the zucchini from the oven.
* Sprinkle light feta cheese on top of each boat.
* Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Once done:
* Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley or drizzle with light ranch dressing if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats are a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want a simple side or a complete meal, these ideas will enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A crisp green salad with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes adds freshness and balances the spicy flavors of the zucchini boats.

Serve with Whole Grain Rice

• Brown rice or quinoa provides a hearty base and complements the stuffing’s protein content, making your meal more filling.

Offer a Side of Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted broccoli, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a tasty and nutritious addition, enhancing the meal’s overall healthiness.

Add Light Ranch Dressing

• Drizzling light ranch dressing over the zucchini boats gives an extra creamy texture and cools down any heat from the buffalo sauce.

Present with Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

• Sweet potato wedges offer a sweet contrast to the spicy filling while adding fiber and nutrients to your meal.

Accompany with Hummus and Veggies

• A platter of hummus with fresh veggie sticks like carrots and cucumbers makes for a delightful appetizer alongside your main dish.

How to Perfect High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Achieving the perfect high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats is all about attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to maximize flavor and texture.

• Choose firm zucchini: Select zucchinis that are firm to ensure they hold their shape during baking and provide a satisfying bite.

• Don’t overfill: Leave some space when filling zucchini boats; this prevents spillage while baking and ensures even cooking.

• Pre-cook chicken: Use shredded leftover cooked chicken for convenience, or poach fresh chicken breast before shredding it for extra moisture.

• Adjust spice levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce or mix in some plain yogurt to tone it down.

• Experiment with toppings: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese on top for varied flavor profiles.

• Garnish beautifully: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro right before serving adds both color and freshness to the dish.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

To create a well-rounded meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with your high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats.

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower – A creamy, low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that complements the flavors of the main dish.

2. Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Roasted Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft zucchini.

3. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing salad made with quinoa, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds brightness to each bite.

4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the stuffed zucchini.

5. Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn grilled until charred brings summer vibes to your plate and pairs beautifully with spicy dishes.

6. Zesty Cucumber Salad – Cool cucumbers tossed in vinegar, dill, and garlic bring a refreshing contrast against the warm buffalo filling.

7. Vegetable Stir-Fry – Quick stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots provide nutrition while adding vibrant colors to your meal.

8. Baked Potato Fries – Healthy baked fries seasoned with herbs create a fun finger food option alongside the stuffed zucchinis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can help you make the best High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

• Overcooking zucchini: Cooking zucchini for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Bake just until tender for the best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Skipping spices can dull the flavor. Make sure to follow the spice measurements for a zesty kick.
• Using raw chicken: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the mixture. Shredded cooked chicken works best for this recipe.
• Not scooping enough filling: Leaving too much zucchini flesh can make the boats less flavorful. Scoop out enough to create space for your filling.
• Forgetting to preheat: Neglecting to preheat your oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Place cooled stuffed zucchini boats in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a splash of broth and cook over medium heat, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats, here are some common questions:

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese varieties to suit your taste.

Are these zucchini boats suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These stuffed zucchini boats are great for meal prep and can be refrigerated or frozen.

How can I customize the spice level?

To adjust the heat, add more or less Frank’s RedHot Sauce based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute shredded chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian option.

Final Thoughts

These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by changing ingredients or spices according to your preferences. Give them a try and enjoy a flavorful, low-carb dinner that fits perfectly into your meal prep routine!