If you’re craving a dish that combines all the best flavors of smoky BBQ chicken with melty, gooey cheese nestled inside tender zucchini, then you’ll absolutely adore this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of fresh veggies and comforting BBQ goodness, proving that healthy eating does not have to be boring. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying, these stuffed zucchini boats bring together juicy chicken, vibrant red onions, and sharp cheddar cheese for a meal that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that make this Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe truly shine. From the fresh zucchini creating the perfect edible vessel, to the sharp cheddar that pulls everything together with creamy richness, each element plays a crucial role.
- Olive oil, for greasing pan: Keeps your zucchini from sticking and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise: Choose zucchini of similar size for even cooking and presentation.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Used for sautéing and brushing, it boosts flavor and helps caramelize the toppings.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the filling with a bright, aromatic punch.
- ½ red onion, finely diced: Adds a slight sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast: The hearty protein that absorbs all those delicious BBQ flavors.
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce, divided: I love Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce for its balance of heat and sweetness.
- 1 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: Delivers that coveted cheesy, melty texture and a tangy depth.
How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. This sets the stage for baking your zucchini to tender, cheesy perfection without sticking or drying out.
Step 2: Hollow Out the Zucchini
Carefully scoop out the centers from each zucchini half leaving about a 1/4-inch thick rim. These “boats” are what hold your delicious filling, so try to keep the walls intact for that classic stuffed look and function. Once hollowed, place them cut side up in your prepared pan and brush with olive oil to help them roast beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Mix Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, use part of your olive oil to sauté the minced garlic and finely diced red onion until soft and aromatic. This step wakes up the flavors and adds a lovely sweetness that complements the BBQ sauce. Transfer these softened aromatics to a bowl, then stir in the shredded chicken, half of your BBQ sauce, and half of the cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly to combine all those bold flavors.
Step 4: Fill and Top Your Zucchini Boats
Now it’s time for the fun part: filling each zucchini boat generously with the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy – these boats are made to be hearty and satisfying. Once filled, drizzle the remaining BBQ sauce on top, then sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese over everything, ensuring luscious, bubbly cheese blankets each boat.
Step 5: Bake to Melty, Tender Goodness
Cover the pan with foil and pop it in your preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes. This gentle baking step tenderizes the zucchini without turning it mushy and melts the cheese to golden, bubbly perfection. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is beautifully melted and the zucchini feels just tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and green onions on top to add freshness and a pop of color. These garnishes brighten the deep BBQ flavors and elevate the dish visually and taste-wise. Your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Garnishes
Adding cilantro and green onions provides a lovely balance to the rich BBQ chicken and cheese, introducing a fresh, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra zing if you like a bit of tang with your savory bites.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs excellently with light sides to keep the meal well-rounded. Consider a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette, roasted corn on the cob, or even some classic coleslaw to complement the smoky BBQ flavors without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, present these zucchini boats on a rustic wooden platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves for a vibrant backdrop. You can also serve them stacked or in mini muffin tins as bite-sized appetizers. The versatility of this dish makes it a winner in both casual and elegant settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. They maintain flavor and texture nicely, making them ideal for quick next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, wrap each stuffed zucchini boat tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before storing in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prep on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as oven reheating keeps the zucchini from becoming soggy and preserves that delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar gives a classic tang and good melt, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey texture.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken beforehand?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken is essential because the zucchini won’t need as long to cook as raw chicken would. You can use rotisserie chicken or cook your own to save time.
What if I don’t have BBQ sauce on hand?
Feel free to substitute with another favorite sauce, like a smoky tomato-based sauce or even a mixture of ketchup, vinegar, and spices to mimic BBQ flavors. However, the classic BBQ sauce really pulls this recipe together.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the chicken with cooked plant-based alternatives like jackfruit or seasoned beans, and swap cheddar for vegan cheese. The zucchini boats remain just as delicious and satisfying.
How do I know when the zucchini boats are done baking?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly with some golden spots, and the zucchini should be tender but not mushy. You can test tenderness by poking with a fork; it should pierce easily without falling apart.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe is not just a meal but an experience that brings comfort food and healthy ingredients together in a way that feels indulgent and nourishing at once. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears off the table!
Print
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
- 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 delicious and healthy twist on classic BBQ chicken. Hollowed zucchini halves are filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, tangy low-sugar BBQ sauce, sautéed onions, garlic, and sharp cheddar cheese, then baked until golden and tender. This hearty, flavorful dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, combining the goodness of vegetables with satisfying protein and cheese.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise
- Olive oil, for greasing pan
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
For the Filling
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast (about 2 1/2 cups; can also use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce (such as Stubb’s Spicy BBQ Sauce), divided, plus extra for topping if desired
- 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
For Garnish
- Cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Hollow Out Zucchini: Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the centers of the zucchini halves, leaving about a 1/4-inch thick shell to create the boats. Arrange the zucchini boats cut side up in the greased pan. Brush the insides lightly with olive oil for extra flavor and moisture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and finely diced red onion in a portion of the olive oil until fragrant and softened, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Mix Filling: Add the cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup of the low sugar BBQ sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the bowl with the sautéed garlic and onions. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Fill Zucchini Boats: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each hollowed zucchini boat. Then, top each stuffed zucchini with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top if you like it saucier.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt thoroughly and the zucchini to become tender but not mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the foil and garnish the zucchini boats with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve warm for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Notes
- Look for medium zucchini of similar size to ensure even cooking.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor.
- Adjust BBQ sauce amount according to your preferred level of sauciness.
- Keep the zucchini thickness consistent to prevent overcooking or undercooking.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar with other meltable cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- This dish reheats well and is great for meal prepping.
