If you’re searching for a comfort-filled dish that’s bursting with flavor and melts in your mouth, then you absolutely need to try the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe. This vibrant and hearty meal combines tender zucchini shells filled with zesty BBQ shredded chicken and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, making every bite a delightful balance of smoky, cheesy, and fresh. It’s not just delicious but also a fun, colorful way to enjoy vegetables without skimping on taste or satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress at a casual dinner, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and essential, each playing a key role in delivering that perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the fresh zucchini that acts as a natural edible bowl to the rich BBQ chicken filling, every item is simple but powerful in creating this crave-worthy dish.
- Olive oil, for greasing pan: Keeps the zucchini boats from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise: Choose similarly sized ones for even cooking and perfect boat shape.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing and brushing zucchini to enhance flavor and texture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant sharpness that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
- ½ red onion, finely diced: Provides a mild sweetness and crunch to balance the smoky chicken.
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast: You can easily use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra juiciness.
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce, divided: Opt for your favorite brand, like Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce, to get that smoky, slightly sweet base.
- 1 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar brings meltiness and a robust cheesy kick that tops everything off perfectly.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees. While it warms up, grease a 9-by-13-inch pan with olive oil to ensure your zucchini boats don’t stick during baking. This step is essential for effortless cleanup and a smooth final presentation.
Step 2: Prepare Your Zucchini Boats
Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to gently scoop out the centers, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick rim. This creates room for the stuffing while maintaining the structural integrity of the boat. Place the zucchini halves in the greased pan and brush each with olive oil to add richness and help them roast beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a skillet, heat some olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and finely diced red onions until they are soft, fragrant, and slightly caramelized. This quick step boosts the overall flavor complexity with that perfect mix of pungency and sweetness.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Transfer the sautéed garlic and onions to a bowl, then toss them with shredded chicken, half of your BBQ sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This combination ensures every bite is loaded with saucy, cheesy goodness that contrasts nicely with the tender zucchini.
Step 5: Fill the Zucchini Boats
Next, spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared zucchini shells, packing it in so no bite is left bland. After filling, drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheddar cheese to create a luscious, bubbly crust while baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Cover the pan loosely with foil to keep everything moist, then bake for 35 to 45 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted to perfection, the BBQ sauce bubbles up enticingly, and the zucchini boats are tender but still maintain their shape.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, feel free to add fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions for an extra pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Now you’re ready to serve this crowd-pleaser hot and fresh!
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as cilantro or chopped green onions bring a fresh vibrancy that pairs wonderfully with the smoky and cheesy components of this dish. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice spicy kick if you enjoy a little heat.
Side Dishes
These zucchini boats shine as a main dish but also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for extra colors and nutrients on your plate. Creamy coleslaw or a tangy corn salad are fantastic companions that enhance the BBQ flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the zucchini boats straight from the baking dish for a casual family meal or arrange them individually on plates and garnish with edible flowers and fresh herbs for a more elevated presentation that will impress guests and make any dinner feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes them a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner solution to enjoy throughout the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep these in advance, they freeze well after baking. Let the zucchini boats cool completely, then wrap them tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months with minimal loss in taste.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is bubbly once again. Alternatively, the microwave works for a quick fix but won’t keep that crispy top texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for the filling?
Yes, just make sure the chicken is fully thawed and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients to maintain the dish’s texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but always check your BBQ sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Can I substitute another type of cheese for cheddar?
Definitely! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack cheese work well and add different flavor profiles, so feel free to experiment to suit your taste.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy depending on the BBQ sauce you choose. Using a mild BBQ sauce will keep it gentle, while spicy versions will add a nice kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily swap chicken for a hearty veggie filling like black beans and corn or a plant-based chicken alternative to keep the recipe meat-free without losing deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to share with everyone you know. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests, and its rich combination of flavors and textures makes it a guaranteed winner at any table. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a flavorful and healthy dinner option combining tender zucchini, savory shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for a low-carb meal, they are easy to prepare and baked to perfection for a cheesy, satisfying bite bursting with delicious smoky and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise
- Olive oil, for greasing pan and brushing zucchini
Chicken Filling
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast (about 2 1/2 cups; can also use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce (plus extra for topping; recommended: Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare zucchini boats: Slice the zucchini lengthwise and use a spoon to carefully scoop out the centers, leaving about a 1/4-inch rim all around to create hollow boats. Place the prepared zucchini halves in the greased baking pan and brush the tops with olive oil to add moisture and help with roasting.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the finely diced red onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. This will soften the aromatics and enhance flavor.
- Make chicken filling: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to a large bowl. Add the shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined for a smoky, cheesy filling.
- Stuff zucchini boats: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, pressing lightly to fill well. Then, top each stuffed boat with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese on top for added cheesy goodness.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. This allows the zucchini to become tender and the cheese to melt perfectly without burning.
- Serve and garnish: Once baked, remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped green onions for a fresh, bright touch. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy BBQ chicken zucchini boats!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, choose a spicy BBQ sauce or add chili flakes to the chicken filling.
- Ensure not to scoop out too much zucchini flesh to keep the boats sturdy enough to hold the filling.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal the next day.
- For a gluten-free option, check that the BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that adds extra flavor to the filling.
