Zesty Buffalo Chicken Cucumber Boats (Keto & High Protein)
Enjoy all the zesty flavor of buffalo chicken in a crisp, refreshing, and low-carb package! These easy-to-make cucumber boats are perfect as a light lunch, satisfying snack, or party appetizer, packed with protein and vibrant taste.
Yields: 6-8 boats (using 3-4 medium cucumbers) Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3-4 medium English or regular cucumbers
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (from canned chicken, leftover rotisserie, or baked chicken breast)
- Choose one for the creamy base:
- 1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese (for higher protein, lighter texture)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for richness and keto-friendly)
- 2-4 tablespoons Red’s Buffalo Sauce (or your favorite buffalo sauce), to taste (adjust for desired spice level)
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (store-bought keto-friendly or homemade)
- Optional garnishes:
- Fresh chopped chives or green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese
- A pinch of paprika
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Small spoon (like a melon baller or grapefruit spoon)
- Medium mixing bowl
Instructions:
- Prepare Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice each cucumber in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, carefully scoop out and discard the seeds and watery core from each cucumber half, creating a “boat” shape.
- Prepare Buffalo Chicken Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, your chosen creamy base (cottage cheese OR mayonnaise), and 2 tablespoons of Red’s Buffalo Sauce. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Taste the mixture and add more buffalo sauce if you prefer a spicier flavor.
- Assemble Boats: Spoon the buffalo chicken mixture generously into each hollowed-out cucumber half.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon of ranch dressing over the top of the filling in each boat. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chives, crumbled blue cheese, or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the best crispness.
Storage: These boats are best enjoyed fresh to maintain cucumber crispness. If making ahead, prepare the chicken filling and store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the boats just before serving.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This recipe is a fantastic, versatile, and highly appealing addition to your weekly meals!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Chicken and cottage cheese (if chosen) are excellent protein sources, making these boats very satisfying and beneficial for satiety and muscle maintenance. Even with mayonnaise, the chicken ensures a high protein count.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Cucumbers are very low in carbohydrates, and the filling ingredients (chicken, cottage cheese/mayo, buffalo sauce, ranch) are also naturally low-carb.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
- Cucumbers: A perfect keto vegetable base.
- Chicken: Naturally keto.
- Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese is a good keto option, providing protein and fat.
- Mayonnaise: Choose full-fat, avocado oil, or olive oil-based mayonnaise with no added sugar or high-carb oils.
- Buffalo Sauce: Crucially, choose a keto-friendly buffalo sauce like Red’s (which you listed and is generally good), Frank’s RedHot, or other brands with no added sugar or high-carb thickeners.
- Ranch Dressing: Crucially, choose a keto-friendly ranch dressing. Many commercial ranch dressings contain added sugars and starches. Look for brands specifically labeled “keto” or check the nutrition label for very low net carbs per serving.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.