High Protein Buffalo Chicken Boats for Easy Low Cal Delight

You know that moment when you’re standing in front of the fridge, craving something heartybut still wanting to keep things healthy? High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats satisfy both: comfort food vibes with a high-protein, low-calorie twist that comes together in about 30 minutes.

Think of them as the upgraded version of buffalo chicken dipexcept nestled in tender zucchini boats and lightened up with cottage cheese for a creamy texture without the heaviness. These easy low cal recipes use affordable pantry staples and are surprisingly delicious!

I’m always looking for creative ways to pack vegetables into satisfying meals, and this one checked every box. The zucchini roasts to a tender finish while the spicy, creamy filling stays bold and rich. After testing several spice ratios (including one secret flavor boost), I’m excited to share this perfected version.

Why These High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Will Win You Over

Transforming zucchini into flavorful, handheld meals is a kitchen power move. Each serving delivers around 20 grams of protein and under 150 calorieswhich makes this an ideal gluten free high protein dinner you’ll eat again and again.

One standout ingredient? Cottage cheese. It adds a creamy, tangy richness that calms the buffalo heat and gives the filling a protein boost without making it heavy. The paprika-spice combo brings smoky complexity that sets this recipe apart from typical “diet food.”

• 30-minute recipe: Ideal for fast weeknight dinners
• Great for meal prep: Make ahead and reheat all week
• Family-friendly: Flavorful enough for adults, mild enough for kids

Your Essential Ingredients and Simple Tools

Part of what makes this recipe so do-able is that you likely already have most of the core ingredients. Cottage cheese is the sleeper star, offering a rich texture and protein boost. Don’t skip Frank’s RedHotit gives you that signature Buffalo flavor when paired with the perfect spice blend.

The balance of garlic, onion powder, and paprika is what elevates every bite. I tested alternative versions, but this mix added just the right flavor layersplus it’s mild enough to build on if you like more heat.

Ingredient Category	Key Players	Why They Matter
Base	Medium zucchini	Low-calorie, sturdy vessels for filling
Protein	Shredded chicken, cottage cheese	High-protein with creamy texture
Flavor	Frank’s RedHot, garlic, paprika, onion	Bold Buffalo flavor with aromatic depth
Finish	Light feta cheese	Brings salty, tangy contrast

Basic tools: A sharp knife, spoon for scooping zucchini, mixing bowl, and baking dish are all you need.

How the Magic Happens Step by Step

This recipe is super forgivingeven if it’s your first time making stuffed vegetables. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop the center out, leaving about ¼-inch around the edge so they stay sturdy during baking.

To prepare the filling, mix your shredded chicken and cottage cheese first. Then, stir in the buffalo sauce and the spice blend. The mixture should be thick enough to mound without oozingremember, the cottage cheese will firm up slightly as it bakes.

Step	Time	Key Technique
Prep zucchini boats	5 minutes	Scoop interior, leaving firm edge
Make filling	3 minutes	Combine ingredients until just mixed
Stuff and bake	20 minutes	Fill boats, bake until tender
Add feta finish	2 minutes	Sprinkle and bake briefly

Fill each zucchini half generously and bake for 18–20 minutes until fork-tender. Add the crumbled feta during the last 2 minutes so it gently melts into the top.

Smart Swaps and Creative Tweaks

This recipe is easy to personalize. No light feta? Use regular or crumbled goat cheese for a creamy upgrade. Greek yogurt can replace cottage cheese if you’d like a tangier (but still high protein) base.

If you’re someone who loves bold heat, double up on the buffalo sauce or mix in a dash of cayenne. Cooking for someone with milder tastes? Use half the sauce and increase the dairy slightly for mellow flavor.

Original Ingredient	Swap Option	Flavor Impact
Cottage cheese	Greek yogurt	More tang, slightly less creamy
Frank’s RedHot	Your favorite hot wing sauce	Flavor varies by blend
Light feta	Blue cheese or goat cheese	More punch or tang
Chicken breast	Rotisserie chicken	Richer flavor, faster prep

Pro tip: Prep the filling the night before. Just stuff the chilled boats and bake when readymakes incredible low ingredient meals on busy nights.

Troubleshooting and Kitchen Wins

The most common issue is zucchini releasing too much moisture. Fix this by salting and draining the scooped halves for 10 minutes, then blotting with paper towels before filling.

If your filling seems too thick, stir in a small splash of extra buffalo sauce. Too runny? Let it sit for a few minutescottage cheese firms as it stands.

• Soggy boats: Salt and drain zucchini before filling
• Bland flavor: Taste and adjust seasoning before baking
• Uneven cooking: Use similarly sized zucchinis for best results

Serving Ideas and Storage Solutions

These boats stand alone as a full meal or shine when paired with sides like a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or cauliflower rice for soaking up extra sauce. Want something heartier? Try serving them with a scoop of wild rice or sweet potato mash.

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. They’re great as easy meals high in protein for lunches or dinnersjust reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Storage Method	Timeline	Reheating Tips
Refrigerator	Up to 4 days	Microwave 1–2 minutes or oven at 350°F for 10 minutes

Expert Says: The Benefits of High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Including high protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats in your weekly rotation promotes energy, satiety, and nutrition. With fiber and antioxidants from the zucchini and lean protein supporting muscle repair, they’re ideal for active eaters and anyone who wants crave-worthy food that also supports wellness goals.

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

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats: A Flavorful Discovery

After plenty of testing and tweaking, I’ve landed on just the right combo of heat, creaminess, and texture. Early tries resulted in overly wet filling or too much heatbut now each bite hits a balanced, bold note.

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

These Buffalo Chicken Boats Are Your New Go-To

High Protein Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats deliver flavor-packed satisfaction in a healthy, weekday-ready form. The creamy cottage cheese base balances spicy buffalo perfectly, and the feta topping ties it all together with a tangy kick. You get all the indulgent taste of pub-style appetizerswithout the deep fryer or extra calories.

Try adding chopped dill or green onion for a pop of freshness, or toss in diced celery for crunch. These boats stay fresh in the fridge for four full days, which makes them ideal easy meals high in protein for meal prep. For best results, brush the zucchini rims with olive oil before bakingthis helps them brown beautifully while staying juicy.

Ready to give them a go? I’d love to hear what swaps or tweaks worked best for you. These stuffed boats prove once again: flavor and health don’t have to be a trade-off.

Print