Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Are you looking for an easy and healthy way to satisfy your craving for Buffalo chicken? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing my delicious Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe!

If you love all things Zucchini, try my recipe for Air Fryer Zucchini Bread, Air Fryer Zucchini Muffins or Air Fryer Hasselback Zucchini.

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic buffalo chicken wings. They consist of zucchini halves hollowed out and filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and various other ingredients. The zucchini acts as a boat or container for the buffalo-chicken mixture.

Ingredients Needed For Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Are you looking to whip up a delicious and healthy dinner with minimal effort? Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are the perfect go-to recipe! All you need is a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, and with just a few minutes of cooking time, this deliciously lightened-up version of buffalo chicken will have your taste buds singing.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken: Use fully cooked chicken breast, leftover Rotisserie chicken, or even fully cooked chicken strips.
• Hot Sauce: Use Frank’s Hot Sauce or another brand. Add enough as you wish for added heat.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter that has been melted
• Zucchini: Use firm zucchini that is ripe.
• Blue Cheese: Use fresh blue cheese crumbles
• Garnishings: Cleery, finely diced, and ranch dressing.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious meal that packs quite the flavor punch, look no further! Baked buffalo chicken zucchini boats are guaranteed to be a hit with your family or friends. Not only is this dish low-carb, but it’s also super easy to make from scratch.

Step One: Prepare The Zucchini

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Wash and dry the zucchinis. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Take a spoon and carefully hollow out each zucchini half. Set aside in a 9×12 baking dish or sheet pan.

Step Two: Prepare The Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, hot sauce, and melted butter. Stir until combined and the chicken is coated in buffalo sauce. Add the buffalo chicken to each zucchini boat.

Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Once it’s finished cooking, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the boats with blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Once it’s finished cooking, remove it from the air fryer and sprinkle the boats with blue cheese crumbles, chopped celery, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.

Pro Tips For Baked Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

• Choose the Right Zucchini: Select medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and without blemishes. Smaller zucchinis are more tender and less watery, making them ideal for this recipe.
• Pre-Cook the Zucchini: For a softer zucchini texture, pre-bake the hollowed-out zucchini halves for about 5-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before filling them. This helps ensure they cook evenly.
• Hollow Out Evenly: Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the zucchini flesh, leaving a sturdy shell about 1/4-inch thick. Be careful not to pierce the skin to prevent leaking during baking.
• Season the Zucchini: Lightly salt the hollowed zucchini halves and let them sit for a few minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent sogginess.
• Flavorful Chicken Filling: Use cooked and shredded chicken mixed with your favorite buffalo sauce. Adding a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt can make the filling creamier and more cohesive.
• Balance the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, mix buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing to tone down the heat without sacrificing flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness: Top the filled zucchini boats with shredded cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of both. This adds a deliciously melty and savory layer to the dish.
• Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the filled zucchini boats at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top with fresh chopped green onions, cilantro, or a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing before serving. This adds freshness and extra layers of flavor.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the baked buffalo chicken zucchini boats right out of the oven while they’re hot and the cheese is still melty for the best texture and taste.

Chicken Zucchini Boats

Can I use raw chicken for the filling? It’s best to use cooked and shredded chicken for the filling. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and reduces the baking time needed to heat everything through.

How do I prevent the zucchini boats from becoming soggy? Lightly salt the zucchini halves and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before filling and baking. Pre-baking the zucchini for a few minutes also helps reduce moisture.

What type of buffalo sauce should I use? Use your favorite buffalo sauce, whether homemade or store-bought. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. Mixing the buffalo sauce with ranch or blue cheese dressing can also balance the heat.

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling and hollow out the zucchinis ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking. This keeps the zucchini from becoming too soft.

How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though the zucchini may become softer.

Are there vegetarian alternatives for this recipe? Yes, you can use a mixture of black beans, quinoa, or tofu seasoned with buffalo sauce as a vegetarian filling alternative.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken zucchini boats? It’s not recommended to freeze zucchini boats as the zucchini can become mushy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the buffalo chicken filling separately and use fresh zucchini when ready to prepare.

What cheeses work best for this recipe? Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both work well. You can also use blue cheese crumbles for an extra tangy flavor.

How do I make the filling creamier? Adding a bit of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or ranch dressing to the buffalo chicken mixture can make the filling creamier and more cohesive.

What can I serve with buffalo chicken zucchini boats? These boats pair well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or rice. You can also serve them with additional dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

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