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
Scale
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.
