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Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 282 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.