Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats: A Flavor-Packed Dinner That Feels Indulgent (But Isn’t)
Mama, this is one of those dinners that makes you feel like you really did something… without actually spending all night in the kitchen. And those are my favorite kinds of recipes.
These Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats are creamy, cheesy, a little spicy, and completely satisfying — but they’re also lighter than traditional buffalo chicken dishes. If you love bold flavors but still want to get dinner on the table without the heaviness, this one is for you.
I love recipes like this because they check so many boxes at once. They’re easy, family-friendly (you can control the heat!), low-carb if that’s something you’re mindful of, and they use shortcuts that make life easier — like rotisserie chicken and a simple mix-and-bake method.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a fun dinner idea that doesn’t involve another casserole, these Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Total Crazy Busy Mama win.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Before you start, make sure your cream cheese is softened. This makes mixing the filling much easier and gives you that smooth, creamy buffalo chicken texture everyone loves.
Using pre-cooked chicken is also key here. It saves time and keeps this recipe firmly in the “easy dinner” category — which is exactly where we want it on busy nights.
How to make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats: ingredients you need!
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients and comes together fast — no fancy steps, no complicated prep.
¼ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (adjust to taste)
6 zucchini
1 lb shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 packet dry ranch seasoning
½ cup shredded cheese (plus more for topping)
Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
How to make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats : a step by step guide
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and set aside a large baking dish.
Prepare the Zucchini
Wash the zucchini and cut each one in half lengthwise.
Using a spoon, gently scoop out the center of each zucchini to create a hollow “boat.”
Place the zucchini boats cut-side up in your baking dish.
Make the Buffalo Chicken Filling
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, dry ranch seasoning, shredded cheese, and Frank’s RedHot sauce.
Mix until fully combined and creamy. A hand mixer or stand mixer works great for this, but you can also mix by hand.
Fill the Zucchini Boats
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, pressing it gently into the center so it’s nicely filled.
Bake
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Add Cheese & Finish
Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the tops of the zucchini boats.
Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats: SIDE IDEA
These Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats pair perfectly with my Copycat Olive Garden Salad Recipe. The crisp lettuce and tangy Italian dressing balance out the creamy, spicy buffalo chicken and keep the meal feeling fresh and light. It’s an easy way to round out dinner without adding extra work.
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
If your zucchini are extra large, scoop out a little more of the center and save it for soups or omelets later in the week. Nothing goes to waste, and your zucchini boats won’t get watery while baking.
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Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you'd like to see more of.
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More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you love these Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats, be sure to check out these other easy dinner recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.
Love This Recipe? Wait Until You See What’s in My Crazy Busy Mama Cookbooks!
You’ll never stress over the “what’s to eat” question again! Because they’re filled with quick easy recipes that you’ll whole family will love (And they may even help you make).
From easy weeknight dinners to crave-worthy desserts, my cookbooks are packed with simple, delicious recipes and tips to save your sanity. It’s like having me right there in your kitchen, guiding you through stress-free meals your family will rave about.
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Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Boats
Ingredients
½ cup shredded cheese (plus more for topping)
¼ cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 6 zucchini
- 1 lbs chicken breast
- 16 oz Cream Cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup Hot Sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create boats.
Place zucchini boats in a baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheese, and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat.
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional shredded cheese, and return to the oven.
Bake an additional 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust hot sauce to make it mild or extra spicy.
- For softer zucchini, lightly bake the boats for 5–7 minutes before filling.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.
Nutrition
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