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Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe

5.1 from 11 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the zucchini boats evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Stuff the Zucchini: Evenly spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each zucchini boat. Pack the filling lightly so it holds well during baking.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: BBQ chicken, zucchini boats, low-carb dinner, baked zucchini, cheesy chicken boats, healthy BBQ recipe