Description
This Irresistible Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash combines roasted spaghetti squash strands with seasoned chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, topped with melted cheese. It’s a low-carb, high-protein comfort food that delivers all the bold flavors of buffalo wings in a healthy, satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
1 large spaghetti squash (3–4 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for squash)
1 teaspoon salt (for squash)
½ teaspoon black pepper (for squash)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (for squash)
1–1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
1 teaspoon salt (for chicken)
½ teaspoon black pepper (for chicken)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (for chicken)
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ cup buffalo hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing
¼ cup diced celery
2 green onions, sliced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds and stringy pulp with a spoon.
3. Drizzle cut sides of squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and rub to coat. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
4. Place squash cut-side down on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 40-50 minutes until fork-tender.
5. While squash roasts, pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season all sides with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. In a bowl, whisk together buffalo sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and cayenne if using.
8. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then dice or shred. Toss with half the buffalo sauce mixture.
9. When squash is done, let cool 5 minutes. Use a fork to scrape flesh into spaghetti-like strands.
10. In a large bowl, combine squash strands, buffalo chicken, and remaining buffalo sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
11. Transfer mixture back into squash shells or to a greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with mozzarella and blue cheese.
12. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: broil for 2-3 minutes for golden cheese.
13. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes. Top with diced celery, green onions, and parsley. Serve with extra buffalo sauce and blue cheese or ranch on the side.
Notes
For easier cutting, microwave whole squash for 3-4 minutes to soften before slicing.
Don’t overcook chicken – pull at exactly 165°F for juiciest results.
If squash seems watery after scraping, press strands gently between kitchen towels to absorb excess moisture.
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut – just shred and toss with sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheats beautifully.
This freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Adjust heat level by using mild buffalo sauce or mixing sauce with ranch dressing.
For dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and skip cheese topping.
The dish is delicious cold and makes excellent meal prep lunches.
To make ahead: roast squash and cook chicken 2 days early, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Roasting, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: buffalo chicken spaghetti squash, low-carb buffalo chicken, spaghetti squash recipe, healthy buffalo chicken, keto dinner, gluten-free chicken
