High Protein Buffalo Chicken Boats for Easy Low Cal Delight

Late summer always smelled like grilled zucchini and tangy hot sauce in my mom’s tiny kitchen. These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats hit just like thatcomforting, spicy, a little messy, and oh-so-satisfying. They’ve been popping up all over Pinterest and Reddit as a weeknight win: no carb overload, just a quick fill-you-up dinner you can throw together in under 30 minutes.

This one’s got cooked chicken, hot sauce, and a creamy Greek yogurt twiststuffed inside tender scooped-out zucchini like nature’s little boats. Think “party dip meets weeknight dinner.” It also checks the boxes for Gluten Free High Protein Dinner and Easy Low Cal Recipes. Full details in the blog!

I grew up around fridges full of real foodnot fancy, not fussy. We shopped smart, used what we had, and trusted recipes that worked every time. I tested this one over and overjust wait till you try the sneaky bit of celery for crunch. You’ll love the secret!

Why You’ll Love These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Let me count the ways! These zucchini boats are an absolute home run for so many reasons:

• High-protein & low-carb: Each boat is a powerhouse meal with 20g of protein. Perfect for those looking for Easy Meals High in Protein or even High Protein Meals Keto.
• Cozy nostalgia: Creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors meet tender roasted zucchini for a dish that feels like comfort foodbut healthier!
• Practical simplicity: Just 10 core ingredients, no fancy tools, and under 30 minutes. This is the definition of Low Ingredient Meals.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main, a fun party app, or even prep ahead as part of To Go Dinner Ideas.

Key Ingredients & Smart Swaps

Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge! Here’s how it all works:

• Zucchini: Nature’s perfect edible boat! They roast into tender perfection, balancing the spicy filling. Try yellow squash if zucchini’s out of season.
• Cooked chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders here, but use leftover baked chicken if you’ve got it.
• Frank’s RedHot Sauce: The Buffalo classic gives irresistible heat. You can swap it for a milder wing sauce if needed.
• Cottage cheese & feta: These bring creaminess and a bit of tang. Don’t love cottage cheese? Swap in plain Greek yogurt.
• Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and parsley add depth to the filling.

Pro Tip: Want an extra kick? Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne into the mix or drizzle a little more hot sauce at the end!

How to Make High Protein Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Think of this recipe as foolproof! Here’s how to pull it off:

1. Prep the zucchini: Slice zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the centers with a spoon, creating boat-like hollows. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Make the filling: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cottage cheese, hot sauce, spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper), then stir until creamy.
3. Stuff the boats: Pack each zucchini half with the filling and sprinkle with feta on top.
4. Bake: Roast the stuffed zucchini on a lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is slightly golden and bubbly.
5. Serve: Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving! A dash of parsley on top makes them pop.

Storage Tips & Make-Ahead Options

Got leftovers? These zucchini boats are just as good the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap each stuffed zucchini in foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Perfect for Low Carb Frozen Dinners.
• Reheat: Bake in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. If frozen, add 5 extra minutes.

Serving Ideas & Creative Tweaks

These stuffed zucchini boats are versatile, fun, and oh-so-shareable! Here are a few ways to enjoy or customize them:

• As a meal: Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted baby potatoes for a balanced dinner.
• Milder version: Reduce the hot sauce or mix it with honey for a sweeter heat.
• Party-pleaser: Slice boats into smaller portions for bite-sized appetizers. Perfect for casual gatherings or game nights!
• Extra protein: Add shredded cheese on top or mix a little Greek yogurt into the filling for even creamier Easy Dinner Recipes Protein.

🧠 Expert Insight: Maximizing Flavor and Nutrition

The High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats offer a clever way to combine lean protein with nutrient-rich vegetables. Using zucchini as a vessel not only lowers carbs but also adds fiber and moisture, balancing the spicy buffalo flavors for a satisfying yet wholesome dinner option.

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!

The Journey to Perfecting High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Making these High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats was no quick task. One attempt ended with soggy zucchini, another with bland filling, but over time, I learned how to balance flavors and texture just right. This recipe is truly the sum of those kitchen wins and lessons, resulting in a healthy meal my family loves.

FAQs ( Spicy Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats – High Protein, Low Carb Dinner 🌶️🍽️ )

Conclusion

These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats come together in under 30 minutes and deliver that perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and wholesomeyou’ll love how tender zucchini cradles that punchy filling. It’s an easy, satisfying fix that feels fresh, comforting, and just right for weeknight dinners or quick bites.

Feel free to swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt or swap zucchini with yellow squash to keep it flexible. Leftovers freeze beautifully, making these a smart pick for Low Carb Frozen Dinners or Easy Meals High In Protein. A little celery crunch or extra hot sauce is a game-changertips I picked up from my Texan roots!

Give this recipe a whirl and share your twists or photosI’m all about hearing how it fits your kitchen and table. Did you grow up with nostalgic dishes like this? Pass it on to someone who loves a cozy, no-fuss dinner that nails flavor and nutrition every time.

Yesica Andrews

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Boats for Easy Low Cal Delight

Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats recipe that is perfect for Easy Meals High In Protein and a Gluten Free High Protein Dinner. These zucchini boats are loaded with tender shredded chicken, tangy Frank’s RedHot Sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, making a delicious low-calorie meal anyone can enjoy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 149

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 medium zucchini (approx. 795 grams)
• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (230 grams)
• 1 cup 1% cottage cheese (264 grams)
• 1/2 cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce (127 mL)
• 3/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup light feta cheese (57 grams)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create boats.
3. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese, Frank’s RedHot Sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, black pepper, and salt.
4. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the zucchini boats.
5. Sprinkle light feta cheese on top of each stuffed zucchini.
6. Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is slightly golden.
8. Serve hot and enjoy your high protein buffalo chicken boats!

Notes

• For extra heat, add more Frank’s RedHot Sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. These boats can be prepared ahead and baked when ready. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.