Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe
These Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats are a flavorful and healthy dinner option, combining tender shredded chicken with tangy BBQ sauce, nestled in fresh zucchini halves and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a low-carb meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
BBQ Chicken Filling
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, divided
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (from the 1 cup total divided for filling and topping)
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the zucchini boats evenly.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Rinse the zucchinis under cold water, then cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon or small melon baller, scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create hollow boats. Lightly brush the insides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, 3/4 cup of the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, finely chopped red onion, and half of the chopped fresh cilantro. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, pressing gently so the filling is well packed but not overflowing.
- Top with Cheese: Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce over the stuffed zucchinis, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Add sliced jalapeños if you want a spicy kick.
- Bake: Place the stuffed zucchini boats in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the zucchini boats cool for a few minutes after baking. Garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to customize the level of spice by adjusting or omitting the jalapeños.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or less cheese.
- The scooped zucchini flesh can be saved and used in soups or salads to avoid waste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini boat
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken zucchini boats, low carb dinner, baked zucchini, shredded chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner