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- 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided - 1/2 cup green onions, sliced - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling I love this recipe because it uses simple, fresh ingredients. First, we need zucchinis. They act as the boat for our filling. Next, cooked shredded chicken gives a great source of protein. Buffalo sauce adds that spicy kick we crave. Cream cheese makes everything creamy and rich. Don’t forget the cheddar cheese! It melts beautifully on top. Green onions add a nice crunch and fresh flavor. Finally, you’ll need salt and pepper to balance everything out. A drizzle of olive oil will help with browning the tops. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This way, you will have everything ready to create a delicious meal. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is key for even cooking. 2. Rinse the zucchinis under cold water. Slice them in half lengthwise. 3. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. This creates the boat shape for the filling. Leave about 1/4 inch of skin to hold the filling. Set the flesh aside for later use. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, half of the cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions. 2. Mix everything well using a spatula. Taste the filling and season with salt and pepper to your liking. 1. If you want, finely chop the reserved zucchini flesh and add it to the filling. This adds flavor and moisture. 2. Carefully spoon the buffalo chicken filling into each zucchini boat. Pack it in gently, so it holds shape. 3. Place the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a light coat of olive oil over the tops. This helps them get crispy. 4. Bake the zucchini boats for 20-25 minutes. About five minutes before they are done, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and bubbles. - How to ensure zucchinis are cooked perfectly Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the right heat for cooking. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, but leave a bit of skin. This helps keep the shape. Bake them for 20-25 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy. - Best practices for filling the zucchini boats Mix shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, cream cheese, half the cheddar, and green onions in a bowl. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. For a moist filling, add chopped zucchini flesh. Spoon the filling into the boats, packing gently. Leave some space on top for more cheese. - Presentation tips for serving Place the baked zucchini boats on a pretty platter. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top for color and flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh look. This makes the dish pop and looks fun! - Pairing ideas with sides or dips Serve with a cool ranch dip or celery sticks for a crunchy side. You can also pair with a fresh salad or some crispy tortilla chips. These sides balance the heat from the buffalo sauce and add more texture. Enjoy! {{image_4}} To make buffalo chicken stuffed zucchini boats gluten-free, check your buffalo sauce. Some sauces may contain gluten. Look for brands that are labeled gluten-free. You can also use gluten-free bread crumbs in the filling for added texture. For vegetarian or vegan options, swap the chicken with a mix of beans or lentils. Use vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, you still get a tasty, hearty dish without meat or dairy. Using different types of cheese can change the flavor of your dish. Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste. You can mix two or more cheeses to create a unique blend. Adding vegetables to your filling can boost flavor and nutrition. Finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work great. You can even mix in the reserved zucchini flesh for extra moisture and taste. To store leftovers, place the zucchini boats in an airtight container. Make sure to cool them first. These will stay fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they look or smell off, it’s best to toss them. To freeze stuffed zucchini boats, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place the thawed boats in an oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 20 minutes. This helps restore their texture and taste. Enjoy your tasty meal! Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked? No, you should not use raw chicken. Using cooked chicken keeps the dish safe and tasty. Cooked chicken adds flavor and helps the filling mix well with the other ingredients. How long do stuffed zucchini boats last in the fridge? Stuffed zucchini boats can last about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and ready for you to enjoy later! Can I prepare zucchini boats ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare zucchini boats ahead. You can scoop the zucchinis and make the filling in advance. Just store them separately until you are ready to bake. This saves time on busy days. What can I use instead of buffalo sauce? If you want a milder taste, try using barbecue sauce or ranch dressing. You can also make a homemade sauce using hot sauce mixed with butter. This gives you control over the heat and flavor! This post covered making delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats. We discussed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for cooking. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Try these boats for a tasty meal. They are simple to make and can please many taste buds. Enjoy creating your own version with the tips shared here. Cooking can be fun and rewarding!

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Spice up your dinner with these delicious Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats! Packed with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty buffalo sauce, this recipe is a must-try for any flavor lover. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these zucchini boats are a fun and healthy meal option. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family with this tasty, easy-to-make dish that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis

2 cups cooked shredded chicken

1/2 cup buffalo sauce

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup green onions, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the perfect cooking temperature for your zucchini boats.

    Rinse the zucchinis thoroughly and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, creating a hollow boat shape. Be sure to leave about 1/4 inch of the zucchini skin intact to hold the filling. Set the removed flesh aside for later use.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, softened cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the sliced green onions. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix the ingredients together until they are evenly incorporated. Taste and season the mixture with salt and pepper as desired.

        If you wish to enhance the flavor and moisture of the filling, finely chop the reserved zucchini flesh and stir it into the chicken mixture.

          Carefully spoon the buffalo chicken filling into each zucchini boat, making sure to pack it in gently but firmly. This will help it hold its shape during baking.

            Arrange the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Drizzle a light coating of olive oil over the tops of the stuffed zucchinis to promote a golden, crispy texture.

              Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is heated thoroughly.

                About five minutes before the cooking time is up, remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the tops of the stuffed boats. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                  Once done, take the zucchinis out of the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with additional sliced green onions just before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the zucchini boats on a vibrant platter and drizzle a bit more buffalo sauce over the tops for an added kick. Enjoy!