Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe
These Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional BBQ chicken dishes. Loaded with shredded chicken and tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, they make a perfect low-carb, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and bake.
- Author: Elias
- 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
Filling
- 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro (half of the total 1/4 cup)
Topping
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (remaining amount)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro (remaining amount)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the zucchini boats evenly.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Rinse the zucchinis under cold water thoroughly. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create hollow boats using a spoon or small melon baller. Lightly brush the insides with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, finely chopped red onion, and half of the cilantro. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Evenly spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each zucchini boat. Pack the filling lightly so it holds well during baking.
- Top with Cheese: Drizzle the tops of the stuffed zucchinis with the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add sliced jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
- Bake: Arrange the zucchini boats in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Take the zucchini boats out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with the remaining chopped cilantro, serve warm, and enjoy your sticky, cheesy BBQ chicken zucchini boats!
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or grilled chicken breast.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and onion powder to your personal taste.
- For a spicier version, add sliced jalapeños before baking or serve with hot sauce on the side.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your BBQ sauce is labeled gluten-free.
- These zucchini boats can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini boat
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, zucchini boats, low-carb dinner, baked zucchini, cheesy chicken boats, healthy BBQ recipe