High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are an exciting and flavorful low-carb dinner option. They combine the heat of buffalo sauce with creamy cottage cheese and tender chicken, making them perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner. With their spicy kick and hearty ingredients, these stuffed zucchini boats are sure to impress at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under an hour.
• Flavorful: The combination of buffalo sauce and cottage cheese creates a deliciously creamy and spicy filling.
• Healthy Option: Low in carbs and high in protein, these zucchini boats are a nutritious dinner choice.
• Versatile: Perfect for meal prep or as a quick weeknight meal, they can be customized with your favorite spices.
• Visually Appealing: Colorful and vibrant, these stuffed zucchini boats make for an attractive presentation on any dining table.

Tools and Preparation

To make these high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface for cooking your zucchini boats evenly.
• Blender or food processor: Helps achieve a smooth cottage cheese blend, ensuring a creamy filling.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all the ingredients easily without spilling.

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Ingredients

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)
• 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

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). This ensures that your zucchini cooks evenly when placed in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

• Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise.
• Carefully scoop out the center using a spoon to create boats.

Step 3: Blend the Cottage Cheese

In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency. This will help incorporate it well into the filling.

Step 4: Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
* Shredded chicken,
* Blended cottage cheese,
* Frank’s RedHot sauce,
* Garlic powder,
* Onion powder,
* Paprika,
* Dried parsley,
* Black pepper,
* Salt.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 5: Fill the Zucchini Boats

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

Step 6: Bake the Filled Zucchini Boats

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld while cooking down the zucchini.

Step 7: Add Feta Cheese Topping

Sprinkle light feta cheese over each boat and return to bake for an additional 10 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy when done.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley or drizzle with light ranch if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious high protein meal!

How to Serve High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these zesty boats are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions:

Add Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and brightness.
• Drizzle of Ranch: A light ranch dressing can enhance the flavors and add creaminess.

Pair with a Salad

• Mixed Greens: Serve alongside a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can provide a nice texture balance to the soft zucchini.

Serve with Dips

• Guacamole: The creamy texture of guacamole complements the spicy filling perfectly.
• Salsa: Fresh salsa can add an extra layer of flavor and freshness to your meal.

How to Perfect High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

To make your high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats even more delicious, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Zucchini: Choose firm, vibrant zucchini for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of Frank’s RedHot according to your heat preference.
• Blend Cottage Cheese Well: Ensure the cottage cheese is fully blended for a smooth filling consistency.
• Don’t Overcook Zucchini: Bake just until tender to maintain some bite; overcooked zucchini can become mushy.
• Experiment with Cheese Toppings: Feel free to try different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for varied flavors.

Best Side Dishes for High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Pairing your high protein buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced vegetables provides a nutritious grain component.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds color and crunch while being low in calories.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned roasted sweet potatoes introduce natural sweetness and hearty goodness.
4. Cauliflower Rice: This low-carb alternative offers a great base for soaking up flavors from the stuffed boats.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds an elegant touch and pairs well with the spicy filling.
6. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber salad brings a crisp element that balances the heat of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats even better. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overcooking the zucchini: Cooking zucchini for too long can make it mushy. Bake until just tender for the best texture.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the filling can lead to bland flavors. Use spices generously for a zesty kick.
• Using raw chicken: Always use cooked chicken in this recipe. Raw chicken requires longer cooking times and isn’t safe to eat.
• Ignoring portion sizes: Filling the zucchini boats too full can cause spills. Aim for a balanced amount of filling in each boat.
• Not blending the cottage cheese: Leaving cottage cheese chunky can affect the texture. Blend until smooth for a creamy consistency.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover stuffed zucchini boats in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Wrap individual boats tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place boats on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a boat on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about these High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats, we have answers!

Can I use other proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute shredded turkey or beef if you prefer different flavors.

Are High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products.

How can I customize my stuffed zucchini boats?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the filling for added nutrition and flavor.

What should I serve with these zucchini boats?

They pair well with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I ensure my zucchini is not watery?

Select firm zucchinis and avoid overbaking them, which can release excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite proteins or spices to suit your taste. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners!