Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are a flavorful and lighter twist on classic comfort food. Perfect for summer or weeknight dinners, these boats use fresh zucchini as a low-carb vessel stuffed with tender shredded chicken, spicy buffalo sauce, and a blend of cheeses. Topped with melted cheddar and a drizzle of dressing, they’re sure to satisfy cravings while helping you get more veggies in your meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 zucchinis

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cooked and diced)

• 2 tbsp flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 carrot, shredded

• 1 stalk celery, diced

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• ¼ cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)

• 3 tbsp buffalo sauce

• 3 tbsp blue cheese or ranch dressing

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking oil.

2. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the centers using a melon baller or spoon, reserving ½ cup of the flesh and dicing it for the filling.

3. In a large bowl, mix together diced chicken, flour, salt, pepper, shredded carrot, diced celery, reserved zucchini, ½ cup cheddar cheese, optional blue cheese, buffalo sauce, and dressing.

4. Place hollowed zucchini boats onto the prepared baking sheet. Generously fill each with the buffalo chicken mixture.

5. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese on top.

6. Bake for 30 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrients (Per serving – yields 4 servings)

• Calories: 303 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Protein: 34g

• Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 104mg

• Sodium: 1090mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Potassium: 809mg

• Calcium: 254mg

• Vitamin A: 3141 IU

• Vitamin C: 20mg

• Iron: 1mg

Zucchini: A Low-Carb Hero

Using zucchini as the base of the dish is both a smart and satisfying choice. Zucchini is mild in flavor, which means it takes on the bold buffalo seasoning beautifully while maintaining a tender bite. Once hollowed out, zucchini halves become the perfect vessel for hearty fillings, providing structure without heaviness. They’re also naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, making them a favorite among keto and low-carb diets. But even if you’re not following a specific eating plan, zucchini boats are an easy way to add more vegetables to your diet without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

Bold Buffalo Flavor in Every Bite

The hallmark of any buffalo dish is that unmistakable combination of heat, tang, and richness—and this recipe delivers in every single bite. The shredded chicken soaks up the buffalo sauce, locking in all the spice and flavor you expect from your favorite game-day appetizer. A touch of dressing—either ranch or blue cheese—adds that creamy contrast that balances the spice, while the optional blue cheese crumbles add a punch of sharp, salty flavor for those who love a bold finish. Every bite is juicy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spicy.

Perfectly Balanced with Fresh Veggies

What makes this dish truly special is the balance of flavors and textures. The heat of the buffalo sauce is complemented by the cool crunch of diced celery and shredded carrot, which add not only freshness but also a satisfying texture. These classic buffalo wing accompaniments are chopped finely and mixed into the filling, creating a blend that’s as colorful as it is flavorful. Even the scooped-out zucchini centers are added back into the mix, ensuring no part of the vegetable goes to waste and enhancing the overall moisture and tenderness of the filling.

Protein-Packed and Satisfying

With lean shredded chicken as the base of the filling, these zucchini boats are a high-protein meal that will keep you full and fueled without weighing you down. Each serving delivers a generous amount of protein, making it an excellent option for lunch or dinner when you’re looking to power through your day. The addition of cheese and dressing provides fat for flavor and satiety, while the low-carb vegetable base keeps things light and nutrient-dense. It’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.

Cheesy, Melty, and Totally Crave-Worthy

Let’s be honest—cheese makes everything better. And in this dish, it serves both as a binding agent for the filling and a gooey topping that gets golden and bubbly in the oven. The melted cheddar cheese adds creaminess and just a hint of sharpness, creating a decadent finish that makes these boats feel indulgent, even though they’re loaded with wholesome ingredients. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra or experiment with different varieties like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a spicier edge.

A Weeknight Winner That’s Easy to Make

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want something delicious and satisfying. The ingredients are straightforward, the prep is simple, and the cleanup is minimal. You can use pre-cooked chicken—leftovers or rotisserie work beautifully—to save time, and everything comes together in under an hour. Despite how effortless they are to make, they still look and taste like something you’d find at a gourmet cafe.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This recipe also happens to be incredibly meal-prep friendly. You can assemble the zucchini boats in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake, or you can cook a full batch and enjoy them throughout the week. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven, maintaining their flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a whole family, this dish scales well and keeps well, making it a great option for make-ahead meals or packed lunches.

Customizable to Suit Any Palate

One of the great things about Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats is how easily you can adapt the recipe to fit your preferences. Not a fan of blue cheese? Use ranch or a dairy-free dressing. Want a little extra heat? Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can even go vegetarian by substituting the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or a plant-based chicken alternative. The filling can also be used in bell peppers, mushrooms, or even sweet potato halves if zucchini isn’t your favorite. This dish invites experimentation, making it easy to cater to your dietary needs and taste preferences.

A Light Meal That Doesn’t Skimp on Comfort

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats hit that sweet spot between light and comforting. They’re wholesome enough to fit into a clean eating plan, but flavorful and hearty enough to feel like a true comfort food indulgence. It’s a meal that satisfies cravings while helping you stay on track with your goals. With the richness of cheese, the spice of buffalo sauce, and the freshness of vegetables, every bite offers a delicious contrast of textures and tastes that’s far more exciting than your average healthy dinner.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are a bold, satisfying, and nutrient-packed way to enjoy your favorite flavors in a lighter form. By using zucchini as a vessel, this dish offers a creative low-carb alternative to traditional comfort foods without sacrificing any of the flavor or satisfaction. Each bite delivers a perfect mix of spicy chicken, melty cheese, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing, all baked into one convenient and delicious package. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something hearty and wholesome, these zucchini boats are a must-try. Quick, customizable, and absolutely packed with flavor, they’re bound to become a regular part of your recipe rotation.