High Protein Buffalo Chicken Boats for Easy Low Cal Delight

Remember Scooby Doo fruit snacks and pizza bagels after school? That’s the mood these High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats bringjust grown-up, low cal, and protein-packed. Pinterest and TikTok are loving cozy-meets-goals recipes right now. They’re quick (35 minutes!), unfussy, and flavorfulbold, gooey goodness with a healthy twist that satisfies.

These are roasted zucchini halves filled with a spicy and creamy buffalo chicken mixture, topped with crumbled feta, and finished under the broiler until golden and bubbly. Made with rotisserie chicken, low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, and your favorite hot sauce, this dish delivers comforting buffalo wing flavor with a nutritious upgrade.

I grew up on joyful, messy Sunday cookingflour on aprons, sauce bubbling on the stove, and plenty of taste tests. That experience taught me that food should delight. I tested this recipe extensively (five times and counting!) to perfect the creamy balance. Spoiler: there’s a little trick for maximum flavor. Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love High Protein Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats

These zucchini boats bring together cozy comfort food vibes with wholesome nutrition. Whether you’re meal prepping, enjoying a feel-good dinner, or sharing with family, here’s what makes them special:

• High protein, low guilt: Shredded chicken and cottage cheese deliver satisfying protein in every bite without the heaviness of traditional comfort food.
• Simple pantry ingredients: You likely have most of these items stocked alreadyno need for a special grocery trip.
• Quick and easy: 35-minute total time is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike.
• Buffalo wing flavor, veggie-packed base: Spicy and creamy filling, anchored by roasted zucchini for extra fiber and nutrients.

Everything You’ll Need

No fancy groceries or gadgetsjust familiar ingredients ready to transform into a crave-worthy dish.

Pro Tip: If you’re out of cottage cheese, swap in plain non-fat Greek yogurt for a similar creamy, protein-rich result.

How to Make Them Step-by-Step

Let’s bring this high-protein dish to life. Follow these steps for tender zucchini, creamy filling, and a golden cheesy top:

1. Prep the zucchini: Slice each zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center to form boats. Lightly salt them and let sit cut-side up for 10 minutes. Pat dry to remove moisture.
2. Make the filling: Combine shredded chicken, cottage cheese (or Greek yogurt), hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until a creamy mixture forms.
3. Assemble: Spoon the creamy buffalo chicken mixture into each zucchini boat, packing it gently to hold together during baking.
4. Bake: Arrange the boats on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until zucchini is just fork-tender.
5. Broil to finish: Sprinkle feta evenly over boats and broil for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully, until bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tip: Avoid overbaking the zucchini. Slightly firm is bestit holds the filling well and preserves texture.

Troubleshooting & Helpful Tips

Encountering a hiccup? Here’s how to ensure zucchini boat success every time:

• Too much moisture? Salting the zucchini and patting dry before baking helps decrease sogginess.
• Milder than you’d like? Amp it up with chili flakes, cayenne, or extra hot sauce to boost heat.
• Texture too chunky? Blend cottage cheese slightly for a smoother filling consistency.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? Lucky you. These boats keep wellgreat for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Pro Tip: Store the boats in a single layer and avoid stacking to prevent sogginess and maintain structure.

Expert Insight: The Nutrition Power of High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These stuffed zucchini boats combine lean proteins and fiber-rich vegetables in one balanced meal. Zucchini is loaded with vitamins A and C, plus valuable hydration, while the chicken and cheese boost satiety and muscle repair. It’s great for meal preppers, fitness-focused eaters, or anyone who loves guilt-free bold flavors.

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

The Journey to My Perfect High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Developing this recipe involved plenty of spicy taste tests and reworking textures. I’ve burnt filling, under-seasoned a few rounds, and finally found the ideal mix of protein, heat, and creaminess. That’s the beauty of these zucchini boatsthey’re both forgiving and wildly rewarding when everything comes together.

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

Conclusion

These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a healthy twist on a comfort food classic. Ready in 35 minutes, they pair spicy chicken and creamy cheese with roasted zucchini for a satisfying, low-carb meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or game-day snack, these boats are quick to make, easy to love, and even better the next day.

Try swapping cottage cheese for Greek yogurt, tweak the heat level to your liking, and don’t skip the broiled feta toppingit adds the perfect crispy layer. Reheat in the oven to keep that golden top crisp. Give it your own spin and share what you created. Family-approved, meal-prepper friendly, and just nostalgic enough to feel fun and familiar.

Thomas Baker

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.