Description
High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a spicy, creamy, protein-packed dinner made with shredded chicken, blended cottage cheese, and tangy buffalo sauce. Baked until tender and topped with light feta, this easy low-carb meal is perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchini (about 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)
Seasonings:
- 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)
- Optional: chopped parsley or light ranch drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Prepare Zucchini: Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the centers carefully to create zucchini boats, leaving a sturdy border to hold the filling. Place the boats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Add the 1% cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy to ensure a creamy texture in the filling.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, blended cottage cheese, Frank’s RedHot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Fill Zucchini Boats: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly into each hollowed zucchini half, distributing the filling carefully.
- Bake: Place the filled zucchini boats into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
- Add Feta: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the light feta cheese evenly over each zucchini boat. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the zucchini is tender but maintains its shape and the cheese melts nicely.
- Serve: Take the zucchini boats out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of light ranch dressing if desired, and serve warm for a comforting, high-protein meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor effortlessly.
- Do not overbake — zucchini should be tender but not mushy to maintain texture.
- For extra spice, increase the amount of buffalo sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep them fresh.
- These zucchini boats are great for meal prep and reheat well without losing flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buffalo chicken, zucchini boats, high protein dinner, healthy meal prep, low carb recipe, baked zucchini, spicy chicken dish
