Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats – A Bold and Fresh Twist on Comfort Food
Updated Jul 07, 2025, Published Aug 24, 2022
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Love buffalo chicken wings but also looking to get more veggies in your diet? These Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats combine the delicious taste of buffalo chicken with in-season zucchini to create a powerhouse of a dish that’s full of nutrition and satisfying flavor. These are great to make for a party or serve these for lunch during the week or weekend.
Not only are they gluten-free and easily made dairy-free, but they also deliver all the flavor of buffalo wings in a fun and veggie-forward format. Whether you’re feeding the family or just yourself, these boats are an easy win.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: Spicy buffalo sauce meets tender zucchini for a satisfying bite.
- Nutrient-dense: Swapping out bread or tortillas for zucchini cuts down on carbs and adds a veggie boost.
- Allergy-friendly: Naturally gluten-free and easily adapted to be dairy-free.
- Great for meal prep: These store well and reheat beautifully.
- Customizable: Add toppings, use different cheeses, or adjust the heat to your liking.
What You Will Need
Here’s what you’ll want to gather before getting started:
- Zucchini
- Ground chicken
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Mozzarella cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
- Blue cheese, green onions, and celery leaves (for garnish)
- Cooking spray, parchment paper, or foil
Tips and Variations
- Scoop carefully: Use a spoon or melon baller to gently scoop out the zucchini without tearing the sides.
- Don’t overcook the filling: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce is added, only cook for a few extra minutes to avoid drying it out.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Dairy-free? Use your favorite plant-based mozzarella and skip the blue cheese or sub with a dairy-free crumble.
- Add-ins welcome: Mix in chopped bell peppers, carrots, or even cooked quinoa for added texture and nutrients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the zucchini boats up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
What other meat can I use?
Ground turkey works well as a substitute. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or chopped mushrooms.
Is the dish spicy?
The buffalo sauce gives it heat, but you can adjust the amount to your spice preference or use a mild wing sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
While they’re best fresh, you can freeze them. Wrap tightly and reheat in the oven for best texture.
These Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are everything we love about comfort food—bold, saucy, and satisfying—but with a healthy twist. Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, or just want to sneak more veggies into your day, this recipe is a flavorful, fuss-free favorite you’ll want on repeat.
Get more gluten-free main dish recipes.
Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Ingredients
- Gluten-free nonstick cooking spray
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 pound Bell & Evans Ground Chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce, (not regular hot sauce), plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
- 2 green onions, , thinly sliced
- Celery leaves, , optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spray with cooking spray.
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a ¼ inch to form a boat. Chop the flesh and reserve for later.
- Place chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the chicken, add the garlic and onion powders, and cook 7-9 minutes or until fully cooked. Add the chopped zucchini flesh and buffalo wing sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stuff the mixture into the zucchini boats, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the zucchini tender.
- Top with crumbled blue cheese, green onions, and celery leaves. Drizzle with more wing sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
