Description
These Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats are a flavorful and healthy twist on classic BBQ chicken. Tender zucchini halves are filled with a delicious mixture of shredded chicken smothered in tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheese, and baked to perfection. This quick, easy, and low-carb recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchini
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or mozzarella)
- Optional: green onions, chopped
- Optional: cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the zucchini boats.
- Prepare zucchini boats: Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, then carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create hollow boats that will hold the filling.
- Season zucchini: Drizzle each zucchini half with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Mix chicken with BBQ sauce: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated and sticky.
- Fill the boats: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each hollowed-out zucchini half, distributing it evenly.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the filled zucchini boats to create a gooey, melted cheese layer.
- Bake: Arrange the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has melted and started to brown slightly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with optional chopped green onions and cilantro for added freshness and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use any BBQ sauce flavor you prefer, whether smoky, sweet, or spicy, to customize the taste.
- You can substitute shredded cooked chicken with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
- To make this recipe lower-carb, omit cheese or use a low-fat cheese option.
- The zucchini boats can be prepped ahead of time and baked just before serving.
