Healthy Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Trust me when I say that I don’t like a bunch of fluff before recipes, but I thought it would be good to learn a little bit more about who’s behind the recipes. Feel free to hit the jump to recipe button to enjoy the healthy buffalo chicken zucchini boats, or stay and read!
Do you have a favorite type of music? I’m usually all over the place and have an eclectic taste, but my groovy (yes, I did say groovy) music usually consists of three genres: jazz, alternative rock and pop, and latin. I’ve been listening to jazz all day and something about it just makes me want to dance and let go of my worries. What’s your favorite music? What type of music helps you feel calmer and happier? If cooking is stressful or you want to make it even MORE fun, play your favorites! Let me know in the comments below if you like to listen to music while you cook or if you appreciate the quiet sounds of chopping and sautéing.
I was inspired by a family vlog that was making zucchini boats and I started to research recipes. Then (creepily but helpfully) my Alexa Show displayed an ad for Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats. Side note: I love my Alexa Show especially during the pandemic. I videochat with my family and it is my perfect kitchen assistant that allows me to set timers handsfree. Okay, back to the buffalo chicken zucchini boat idea. Perfect I thought! Only trouble was that it was not as healthy as I would like. Herein lies my version of health buffalo chicken zucchini boats. Let me know what you think!
Instructions for Healthy Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
1. Start by washing the zucchini either with water or fruit and vegetable spray. Cut the zucchini in half and place on a baking sheet with a silicone mat. Scoop out the seeds and center of each zucchini half to make a boat. It does not need to be perfect! Carve out enough so that there will be room to stuff the zucchini with the buffalo chicken. Repeat with each half and lightly spray olive oil over the boats and sprinkle a pinch of salt.
2. Mix the shredded chicken with the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sharp white cheddar and hot sauce in a mixing bowl until well combined. Taste to ensure that you like the flavor. Now is the time to add more sauce or salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the zucchini with the buffalo chicken mixture until overflowing, but within the carved portion. Top with any remaining cheese. Put into the oven for 20-25 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
4. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Top with ranch dressing and dried parsley to your liking. Enjoy!
Tips to serve
Garnish with original ranch dressing or for a healthier version: Primal kitchen’s ranch which is made with avocado oil. Add fresh parsley for vibrancy. You can make these as an appetizer instead of main course by cutting each cooked zucchini boat into fifths (or more depending on how large your zucchini is).
How to reheat
This dish reheats very well, so if you are making the healthy buffalo chicken zucchini boats for meal prepping, it will still taste delicious! It is easy to microwave for a minute or until heated through. You can also put them back in the oven for 10 minutes on warm.
Recommended equipment
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Healthy Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone baking mat
- Baking sheet
- Cheese grater
- Oliver oil sprayer
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 3 Large Zucchini about 4 pounds
- 2 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 3 Cooked and Shredded Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breast
- ¾ cup Buffalo Hot Sauce
- 2 oz Softened cream cheese
- â…“ cup Large Curd Cottage Cheese
- ½ cup Shredded Sharp White Cheddar Cheese divided
- 3 tbsp Ranch dressing for drizzling
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the zucchini in half and place on a baking sheet with a silicone mat. Scoop out the seeds and center of each zucchini half to make a boat. Repeat with each half and lightly spray olive oil over the boats and sprinkle a pinch of salt.
- Mix the shredded chicken with the softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, sharp white cheddar and hot sauce in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Stuff the zucchini with the buffalo chicken mixture until overflowing, but within the carved portion. Top with remaining cheese. Put into the oven for 20-25 minutes until easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Top with ranch dressing and dried parsley to your liking. Enjoy!
Notes
- This recipe is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken breasts, but if you’re making the chicken just for this recipe, I recommend seasoning it with whatever you like and using the Instant Pot pressure cooker. It is the best way to make shredded chicken that isn’t dry.
- Depending on the size of chicken breasts, you may have more than you need for the zucchini boats. Store any leftovers to enjoy by itself or on a large lettuce leaf for a lettuce wrap!
- The current recipe has a mild spice level. Taste test before adding more buffalo hot sauce to your liking!
- Garnish with original ranch dressing or for a healthier version: Primal kitchen’s ranch which is made with avocado oil. Add fresh parsley for vibrancy. You can make these as an appetizer instead of main course by cutting each cooked zucchini boat into fifths (or more depending on how large your zucchini is).
Did you make this recipe? I would LOVE to see how it turned out! Be sure to post and tag @thefoodworthian on instagram and use #thefoodworthian
