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To make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats, you will need: - 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1/2 tsp onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) You can easily swap some ingredients if needed: - Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter option. - Swap buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce for a milder flavor. - Try different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique taste. - If you don’t have green onions, use chives or regular onions instead. For the best results, consider these brands: - For buffalo sauce, Frank's RedHot is a classic choice. - Use Philadelphia cream cheese for its rich and creamy texture. - Kraft shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly and adds great flavor. - For fresh produce, choose organic zucchinis when possible for the best taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need zucchinis, chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, and cheese. Prepare your zucchinis first. - Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. - Scoop out the seeds and some flesh to make space for the filling. This step makes your zucchini a boat for flavors. Next, mix your filling. In a bowl, combine: - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 1/2 cup cream cheese - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1/2 tsp onion powder - Salt and pepper Stir until well mixed. This is where the magic begins! Now it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each boat. Be sure to fill them well but not too tight. Top each boat with: - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese This will melt beautifully and create a delicious topping. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for tender zucchinis and bubbly, golden cheese on top. It’s hard to beat that sight! Layering flavors is key to a great dish. Start with the buffalo sauce. Add more if you like heat. Cream cheese brings creaminess and balances the spice. Don’t forget the garlic and onion powders; they add depth. For a fresh kick, sprinkle green onions on top after baking. If you want, add fresh parsley for color. These simple tips make each bite a burst of flavor! When picking zucchini, look for firm ones. They should feel heavy for their size. Choose ones with smooth skin and bright color. Avoid zucchinis that have soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh zucchini adds great texture to your dish. One common mistake is not scooping out enough flesh. Make sure to remove enough to hold the filling but leave enough for flavor. Another mistake is overcooking the zucchini. You want it tender, not mushy. Lastly, don't skip on seasonings. They enhance the taste and make your dish pop. To boost flavor, consider adding spices. A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds warmth. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro give a nice touch. Lastly, try drizzling a bit of ranch dressing on top before serving for a creamy finish. Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Select firm zucchinis that are free of blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your stuffed boats. Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your heat preference. You can also mix in some ranch seasoning for a milder taste. Extra Cheese: If you're a cheese lover, feel free to add more cheddar on top before baking for an even cheesier experience. Garnish for Freshness: Don't skip the green onions and parsley; they add a fresh flavor contrast that enhances the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap out chicken for other proteins. Ground turkey works well too. You can also use shredded beef for a richer taste. If you love seafood, shredded cooked shrimp adds a fun twist. Just ensure the protein is cooked before mixing. Each option brings a new flavor to the dish. If you want a meatless meal, try black beans or lentils. They add protein and fiber. Mix in some diced bell peppers for crunch. You can also use tofu for a soft texture. Don't forget to adjust the spices, using a bit more buffalo sauce for that kick! Want to make your zucchini boats even more tasty? Consider adding chopped jalapeños for heat. You can also add diced celery for a fresh crunch. Mixing in some ranch dressing with the buffalo sauce brings a creamy touch. For extra flavor, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or Italian herbs. Each enhancement lets you craft your perfect dish! Store your leftover Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a good option. To freeze these boats, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to eat them, just take them out of the freezer. Reheat the stuffed zucchini boats in the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boats on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps them crispy. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, you can use raw zucchini. However, I recommend pre-baking them for a short time. This softens the zucchini and helps the filling cook evenly. Slice the zucchini in half and scoop out the center. Bake them for about 10 minutes before stuffing. This step enhances the texture and flavor. To amp up the heat, add more buffalo sauce. Start with an extra tablespoon or two. You can also mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. These ingredients bring a nice kick. For an even bolder flavor, consider using spicy cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. Stuffed zucchini boats pair well with several sides. A fresh salad with crisp greens complements the dish nicely. Roasted vegetables add extra nutrients and flavor. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a heartier meal. These options balance the spicy filling and enhance your dining experience. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for your zucchini dish. I shared ways to enhance flavors and avoid common mistakes. We also discussed storage and variations to fit your taste. Zucchini boats are versatile and easy to make. With the right ingredients and methods, you can create a meal your family will love. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your tasty creations!

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with buffalo chicken and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create boats.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
  • Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture into each zucchini boat, packing it lightly.
  • Place the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Top each boat with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions and fresh parsley, if using.

Notes

Adjust the buffalo sauce to your spice preference.
Keyword buffalo chicken, stuffed zucchini, zucchini boats