High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are not just a delicious dish; they’re an exciting way to enjoy a low-carb dinner. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight meal, these zucchini boats are filled with shredded chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and a spicy kick from Frank’s RedHot sauce. With their savory flavors and satisfying protein content, they are ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or preparing a family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Each serving packs a powerful protein punch, making it great for muscle recovery and satiety.
• Low-Carb Delight: Enjoy the rich flavors without the carbs, perfect for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.
• Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish in under 40 minutes.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the filling with your favorite spices or add veggies for extra nutrition.
• Meal Prep Friendly: These zucchini boats store well in the fridge, making them a great option for planned meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make these stuffed zucchini boats, you’ll need some essential tools that simplify the cooking process.

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 the zucchini boats while allowing heat circulation.
• Blender or food processor: Ensures the cottage cheese is smooth and blends well with other ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Keeps all your ingredients together for easy mixing without mess.

Ingredients

These high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats are the perfect spicy, low-carb dinner idea. Packed with creamy cottage cheese, zesty Frank’s RedHot, and topped with light feta, they’re easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

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)

For Seasoning:

• 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) to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

• Slice zucchini in half lengthwise.
• Scoop out the center with a spoon to form boats that will hold your filling.

Step 3: Blend Cottage Cheese

Blend the cottage cheese until smooth using a blender or food processor. This creates a creamy base for your filling.

Step 4: Mix Filling Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine shredded chicken.
2. Add blended cottage cheese.
3. Pour in Frank’s RedHot sauce along with all spices.
4. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 5: Fill Zucchini Boats

Place zucchini boats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fill each boat generously with the buffalo chicken mixture.

Step 6: Bake First Round

Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes until zucchini starts to soften.

Step 7: Add Feta Cheese

Sprinkle light feta cheese over each filled boat and bake for an additional 10 minutes. The zucchini should be tender but retain some firmness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley or drizzle light ranch dressing if desired. Serve warm for a delightful meal!

How to Serve High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats make a delicious and versatile meal. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Casual Dinner

• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers complements the spicy flavors of the stuffed zucchini.
• Over Cauliflower Rice: Serve the boats over cauliflower rice for an added low-carb option that absorbs the flavors.

Meal Prep

• In Meal Containers: Divide the zucchini boats into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
• With Dipping Sauces: Offer light ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping, adding extra flavor.

Family Style

• On a Large Platter: Arrange zucchini boats on a platter for family-style serving. This makes it fun for everyone to help themselves.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Top with chopped parsley or cilantro right before serving for a bright finish.

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How to Perfect High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

To ensure your high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Firm Zucchini: Look for medium-sized, firm zucchini to hold up well during baking and prevent mushiness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of Frank’s RedHot sauce or add more cottage cheese to balance the heat.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is great for using up leftover roasted or grilled chicken, making it even quicker to prepare.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time to ensure the zucchini is tender but still retains its shape and structure.
• Experiment with Cheese: Try different types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar if you want a flavor twist while still keeping it high-protein.
• Add Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers or spinach into the stuffing for additional nutrients and color.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These side dishes pair wonderfully with high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats, creating a balanced meal.

1. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber and lemon adds a nutty flavor and complements the dish well.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides essential vitamins and adds a crunchy texture next to the soft zucchini boats.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that pairs nicely with buffalo chicken.
4. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy garlic mashed cauliflower offers comfort without the carbs, making it an ideal low-carb option.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness that balances out the spicy filling of the zucchini boats.
6. Greek Yogurt Dip with Veggies: A cool Greek yogurt dip served with sliced veggies offers a refreshing contrast to this dish’s heat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch for while making high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats.

• Using the wrong zucchini size: Choosing overly large zucchinis can result in watery boats. Opt for medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture.
• Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
• Overstuffing the zucchini: Filling the boats too much may cause the mixture to overflow. Use just enough filling to create a mound without spilling over.
• Ignoring spice adjustments: Each palate is different. Taste the filling and adjust spices for personal preference, especially with Frank’s RedHot.
• Not letting it cool slightly before serving: Cutting into hot zucchini boats can make them fall apart. Allow them to rest for a few minutes post-baking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place boats on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short intervals until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and warm the stuffed zucchinis gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, but ensure you cook it thoroughly before mixing it with other ingredients.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can work well as alternatives while maintaining creaminess.

How many calories are in high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats?

Each serving contains approximately 149 calories, making it a low-calorie option!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them and store them in the fridge before baking for easy meal prep.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A fresh salad or steamed vegetables complement these zucchini boats wonderfully!

Final Thoughts

High protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them perfect for any dinner table. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a healthy twist on classic buffalo chicken!