If you’re searching for the perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and wholesome, let me introduce you to a true crowd-pleaser: the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe. This dish brings together tender zucchinis filled with a savory blend of shredded chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and gooey cheddar cheese that melts right in your mouth. It’s a charming way to enjoy a lighter meal without sacrificing any of the bold flavors everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a delightful weeknight dinner, these stuffed zucchini boats hit all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe means gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. These essentials come together to make a dish that’s vibrant, hearty, and irresistibly tasty.
- Olive oil, for greasing pan: Helps keep the zucchini from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise: Choose zucchinis of similar size for even cooking and perfect “boats.”
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing and brushing, ensuring the onions and zucchini get the right amount of flavor and moisture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the filling with aromatic depth that complements the BBQ sauce.
- ½ red onion, finely diced: Adds a slight crunch and sweet tang to the savory mixture.
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all the BBQ goodness; rotisserie chicken works perfectly to save time.
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce, divided: Opt for your favorite brand like Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce to provide that finger-licking, smoky kick.
- 1 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: A sharp cheddar ensures a melty, rich topping as well as a cheesy binder inside the filling.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil. This simple prep ensures your zucchini boats bake evenly without sticking, setting the stage for perfectly cooked vegetables and melty cheese.
Step 2: Hollow Out the Zucchini Boats
Slice the zucchinis lengthwise and carefully scoop out their centers with a spoon, leaving about a 1/4-inch rim all around to keep the “boats” sturdy. Place these hollowed zucchini halves in your greased pan and brush them lightly with olive oil to enhance caramelization during roasting.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Filling
In a skillet, sauté diced red onion and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and slightly softened—this brings out their natural sweetness and aroma. Transfer the sautéed mixture to a bowl and combine it with the shredded chicken, half of the BBQ sauce, and a portion of the shredded cheddar. This mixture will be rich, smoky, and cheesy, perfectly capturing the essence of this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe.
Step 4: Fill and Top the Zucchini Boats
Spoon the BBQ chicken filling generously into each zucchini boat, packing it tightly to hold all the deliciousness. Then, drizzle some of the remaining BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheddar cheese to create a golden, bubbly topping once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your pan tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt beautifully and the zucchini to become tender while still sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add a fresh touch by garnishing with chopped cilantro and green onions. These garnishes brighten up the dish both visually and with a hint of fresh flavor that contrasts nicely with the smoky, cheesy filling.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions lifts the flavors and adds a burst of color that makes each zucchini boat look as good as it tastes. You could also add thin slices of jalapeño or a dollop of sour cream for those who love a little extra kick or creaminess.
Side Dishes
Serve these stuffed zucchini boats alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete meal. For something lighter, a side of steamed rice or even coleslaw pairs beautifully, balancing smoky BBQ richness with fresh, crunchy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your presentation extra special by arranging the zucchini boats on a rustic wooden platter or a colorful serving dish. You can also top with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an eye-catching finish. Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, these portable boats are as fun to serve as they are to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days without losing their flavor or texture, making them an excellent option for next-day meals.
Freezing
These zucchini boats freeze nicely if you want to prepare in advance. After baking and cooling, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing in the freezer. Frozen zucchini boats can last up to 2 months and still retain their delicious taste after thawing and reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your stored or frozen zucchini boats in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and the cheese is melted again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the zucchini’s texture and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a nice tang and meltiness, you can swap it for mozzarella for extra stretchiness or pepper jack for a spicy twist. Feel free to experiment based on your taste preferences.
Is it okay to use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
This recipe works best with cooked shredded chicken to streamline the process and ensure even cooking. If using raw chicken, you’ll need to cook and shred it first, or it won’t cook through properly inside the zucchini boats.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms, black beans, or cooked quinoa combined with BBQ sauce and cheese for a satisfying vegetarian version of the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe.
How do I ensure the zucchini doesn’t become too watery?
By scooping out the zucchini and brushing them with olive oil before baking, you help reduce excess moisture. Baking covered allows the filling to cook without drying out, resulting in tender but not soggy boats.
What is the best BBQ sauce to use?
Choose a low sugar BBQ sauce you enjoy, like Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce, which gives a great balance of tang, spice, and smokiness without overpowering the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the type of sauce based on how saucy or spicy you want your boats.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about creating and sharing the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of fresh zucchini, smoky BBQ chicken, and melty cheddar just can’t be beat. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal packed with wholesome goodness and irresistible flavor.
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a flavorful and healthy meal option featuring tender zucchini filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, spicy BBQ sauce, sautéed onions, garlic, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, these boats are perfect for a family dinner or meal prep and deliver a delightful combination of textures and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Produce
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ red onion, finely diced
- Cilantro and green onions, for garnish
Protein
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works well)
Dairy
- 1 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Condiments & Oils
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce, divided (Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce recommended)
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, divided (plus extra for greasing pan)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Scoop Zucchini Boats: Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the centers of each zucchini half, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick rim all around to form sturdy boats. Place the zucchini halves face up into the greased baking pan and brush them lightly with olive oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and finely diced red onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Remove from heat and transfer this mixture to a large bowl.
- Mix Filling: To the bowl with sautéed onion and garlic, add the shredded cooked chicken, half of the BBQ sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Stuff Zucchini Boats: Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, filling them generously. Then, drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce on top and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the boats for a cheesy topping.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, uncover, and garnish the stuffed zucchini boats with fresh chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra sauciness, add more BBQ sauce on top before baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut to saving prep time.
- To make it spicier, choose a spicy BBQ sauce or add chili flakes.
- These zucchini boats are great for meal prep and store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure not to scoop the zucchini too thinly to prevent leakage during baking.
