Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Name: Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 small zucchini (or 4 medium-size); 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded; 1/3 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped; 3 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled; 5 Ritz crackers, crushed; Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving; Salt and pepper, to taste; Nonstick cooking spray

By:

Sarah

Published:

February 14, 2026

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Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are the perfect dish for those who crave flavors and fun. Imagine sinking your teeth into a boat made of tender zucchini, bursting with spicy buffalo chicken and topped with creamy goodness. This delightful recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also does so while keeping things light and fresh. Essentially, it’s comfort food redefined, perfect for those sunny summer days when zucchinis are plentiful. The balance of heat from the buffalo sauce, the savory chicken, and the refreshing toppings creates a symphony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

Making Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats is not only easy but also quick, especially if you use rotisserie chicken. In no time at all, you’ll have satisfying and tasty boats that are great for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a culinary adventure that celebrates the goodness of summer produce. Let’s get started!

Why This Recipe Works

The magic truly lies in the blend of spicy buffalo chicken with fresh zucchini in this recipe. You get the tender crunch of the zucchini, which pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the buffalo sauce. This combination makes it unforgettable. The use of rotisserie chicken is a game-changer; it saves time and adds great flavor to the dish.

Baking the zucchini boats makes them a healthier option compared to traditional buffalo chicken recipes. Plus, the creamy toppings offer a cooling contrast, balancing out the fiery heat of the buffalo sauce. With every bite, you will experience a delightful fusion of taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

These Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are perfect for summer cooking, especially when zucchini is in abundance in your garden or at local markets. They serve as an easy, low-carb dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste. Everyone—from the health-conscious to the flavor enthusiast—will love this dish.

Additionally, they are fantastic for any occasion. Whether you are hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, these boats will impress everyone at the table. They are more than just a meal; they offer an experience that feels special.

Ingredients

5 small zucchini (or 4 medium-size)
2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
1/3 cup Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled
5 Ritz crackers, crushed
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Salt and pepper, to taste
Nonstick cooking spray

Preparing the Zucchini

Slice and Prepare the Zucchini

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Take each zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise, ensuring to keep the ends intact. This helps in scooping out later.

Next, spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place the zucchini halves cut-side up on the sheet and lightly spray the tops. Season them with salt and pepper to kick things off.

Bake the Zucchini Base

Now, bake the zucchini in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This will allow them to soften slightly, a crucial step before stuffing these delightful boats.

Making the Buffalo Chicken Filling

Combine Chicken with Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, mix up your shredded rotisserie chicken with Frank’s Red Hot Sauce. Make sure every bit of chicken gets a nice coating; this is where the flavor starts to shine.

Add Creamy Ingredients

Now, it’s time to elevate that chicken mixture. Add in Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly combined.

Incorporate Green Onions

Chop the green onions, and toss the white parts into the chicken mixture. Set the green tops aside; they’ll be used for garnishing later.

Assembling the Zucchini Boats

Scoop out the Zucchini Centers

Once your zucchini has finished baking, pull it out of the oven. Carefully use a knife to scoop out the centers of each boat, being sure not to break the sides. This is where the flavorful filling will go!

Mix in Zucchini Flesh

Now, finely chop the scooped zucchini flesh. Before adding this to your chicken mixture, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture. Stir this squeezed zucchini into the chicken mixture to amp up the flavors even more.

Stuff the Zucchini

Generously spoon that buffalo chicken mixture into each zucchini boat. Fill them well, ensuring each one is loaded with that tasty filling, ready to bake to perfection.

Topping and Final Baking

Add Cheese and Cracker Crust

For the finishing touch, sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over each stuffed zucchini boat. In a ziplock bag, crush the Ritz crackers and sprinkle those delicious crumbs on top as well.

Bake to Perfection

Return your zucchini boats to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and the zucchini to become tender. If you want a crispy top, consider broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats warm, drizzled with ranch or blue cheese dressing. A fresh garden salad alongside completes the meal beautifully, offering a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the boats.

Tips for Success

To avoid unwanted mushiness, ensure your zucchini doesn’t overcook during the initial baking phase. Maintaining their structure for stuffing is essential. If you like a little more heat, you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more buffalo sauce to the mixture.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? You can swap the buffalo chicken for shredded BBQ chicken if you’re in the mood for something different. Additionally, trying various cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can introduce new layers of creaminess or heat, making the dish your own.

Pairing Ideas

These Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats pair wonderfully with a light, crisp salad or corn on the cob to enhance your meal experience. For a more engaging dining experience, serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces to complement the flavors.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the boats and refrigerate them before baking. Just add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready.
Are Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats spicy?
The spice level primarily depends on how much buffalo sauce you use. Feel free to adjust it according to your preference.
What other proteins can I use?
Consider using ground turkey or plant-based proteins for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Can I freeze the stuffed zucchini boats?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just remember to thaw them and bake as instructed when you’re ready.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator can last up to 3 days.

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini while indulging in the rich, flavorful world of buffalo chicken. This dish is not just easy to whip up; it also brings families together, inviting them to share in the explosion of flavors that wraps the tender zucchini. Each bite is an invitation to savor the summer produce, enhanced by the creamy, spicy delights of buffalo chicken. Don’t wait—the taste sensation is waiting for you in your kitchen!

Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

Ingredients