If you are looking for a delicious, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe. It combines tender zucchini filled with savory, smoky BBQ chicken, all blanketed with melty sharp cheddar cheese. This meal is perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty yet fresh, with a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re feeding your family or surprising guests, these zucchini boats make dinner fun, flavorful, and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how the simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a dish packed with flavor and color. Each element brings its own charm, from the crisp zucchini that holds all the fillings, to the bold BBQ sauce that infuses everything with a smoky zest.
- Olive oil, for greasing pan: Keeps your zucchini boats from sticking and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise: Choose zucchini that are similar in size for even cooking and presentation.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used to sauté and brush, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fragrant and savory base note.
- ½ red onion, finely diced: Adds a touch of sweetness and crunch when cooked.
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast: The star protein that soaks up all the BBQ goodness.
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce, divided: I recommend Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce for a perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors.
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy topping and mixed filling.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Next, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to ensure your zucchini boats don’t stick and to add a little extra flavor to the crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Boats
Take your zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the centers with a spoon, leaving a sturdy ¼-inch rim to hold all your flavorful filling. Place the hollowed zucchini halves in the greased pan and brush them with olive oil to help them roast beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a skillet, warm half a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and sauté your diced red onion and minced garlic until they turn soft and fragrant. This step builds a flavorful foundation that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Chicken Filling
Transfer the cooked onions and garlic into a mixing bowl, then add the shredded chicken, half of the BBQ sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well combined—this is going to be your tasty stuffing for the zucchini boats.
Step 5: Fill and Top the Zucchini Boats
Spoon the chicken mixture generously into each hollowed zucchini half, filling them right to the edges. Once stuffed, drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the tops and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese to create a cheesy, saucy crown.
Step 6: Bake Until Tender and Melty
Cover the pan with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the zucchini tender but not mushy. This slow roasting melds all the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the foil and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions for a bright, fresh touch. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting combination of smoky BBQ, tender chicken, and melty cheese nestled in vibrant green zucchini.
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that balances the rich BBQ flavors perfectly. For an extra zing, a light drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of creamy ranch dressing can bring a cooling contrast.
Side Dishes
These cheesy BBQ chicken zucchini boats are hearty, so simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or even creamy coleslaw make fantastic companions. If you want to keep it low-carb, a side of grilled asparagus or steamed broccoli will complement the meal well without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the zucchini boats on a large wooden platter garnished with extra cilantro for a rustic, family-style look. You could also arrange individual portions on colorful plates with lime wedges on the side for a fun, casual vibe. Another idea is to top with crispy fried onions or jalapeño slices for an added texture and spice twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store them chilled to maintain freshness and prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, place the baked zucchini boats on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This is a great way to have a quick, ready-made meal on hand for busy days.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen zucchini boats in a 350-degree oven, covered with foil to avoid drying out, for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil last few minutes to let the cheese get that melty, inviting finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken other than breast for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and perfect, shredded rotisserie chicken or even thigh meat works wonderfully, adding a bit more juiciness and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure! You can swap out chicken for hearty beans, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based protein, then season well and mix with BBQ sauce and cheese for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What kind of BBQ sauce do you recommend?
I personally love Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce because it offers a nice balance of heat and sweetness without too much sugar, but any low sugar, flavorful BBQ sauce will do just fine.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed zucchini boats ahead of time, keep them refrigerated, and bake them right before serving. This makes it easy and stress-free for entertaining.
Is zucchini the only vegetable that works for stuffing?
Not at all! Yellow squash or even halved bell peppers can be great alternatives if you want to mix things up or use what’s in season.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight dinners. It’s everything you want in a meal—comforting, colorful, packed with flavor, and so satisfying without being overly heavy. Give it a try, and I promise it will earn a special spot in your recipe lineup too. Happy cooking!
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Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy dinner option, combining tender zucchini filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, sautéed onions and garlic, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Baked to perfection, they offer a flavorful low-carb twist on classic BBQ chicken with a cheesy, gooey finish.
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 use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce, divided (e.g., Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce)
- 1 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent the zucchini from sticking during baking.
- Prepare Zucchini Boats: Slice each zucchini lengthwise and carefully scoop out the center flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch rim to form the ‘boats’. Place the zucchini halves in the greased pan and brush them with olive oil to enhance roasting and flavor.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the finely diced red onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. This builds the flavorful base of the filling.
- Mix Filling: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a bowl. Add the shredded cooked chicken, half of the BBQ sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Fill Zucchini Boats: Spoon the chicken mixture generously into each prepared zucchini boat, filling each cavity evenly.
- Top the Boats: Drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce over the filled zucchini boats and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use zucchini of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust BBQ sauce amount to taste if you prefer it more or less saucy.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some smoked paprika or chili flakes in the chicken filling.
- These zucchini boats are great for meal prep and store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
