BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade) - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow for sweetness) - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish For this dish, I love using medium zucchinis. They are just the right size to hold a good amount of filling. You can find them at your local grocery store or farmer's market. When you cut them in half, it creates the perfect boat shape. The cooked shredded chicken is the star of the show. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook your own. It adds great flavor and protein to your meal. Next, the BBQ sauce brings all the flavors together. You can use your favorite brand or make your own if you like. For more texture and flavor, I add corn kernels, diced bell pepper, and chopped red onion. They brighten up the dish and offer a nice crunch. Don't forget the seasoning! Olive oil helps to keep everything moist, while salt and pepper enhance the taste. Fresh cilantro or green onions on top adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor. This mix of ingredients makes BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats a tasty and satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the zucchinis evenly. 2. Take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center, making a boat. Brush the insides lightly with olive oil. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor. 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. They should start to soften and smell great. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, and the sautéed onion and pepper. Mix everything well until it's all coated with sauce. 1. Take the zucchini boats and stuff them with the BBQ chicken mixture. Press down slightly to fit as much as you can. You want a full boat! 2. Place the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper or grease the sheet lightly to prevent sticking. 3. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over each stuffed zucchini. 4. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. They are done when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. 5. Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. How to choose zucchinis When picking zucchinis, look for ones that feel firm. They should be medium-sized, about 6 to 8 inches long. Avoid zucchinis with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh zucchinis have a bright green color and a smooth skin. These will give you the best flavor and texture. Techniques for scooping To scoop zucchinis, use a spoon or a melon baller. Cut them in half lengthwise first. Gently scoop out the seeds and flesh. Leave about a quarter-inch of the flesh, so they stay sturdy. This creates a nice boat to hold your filling, so don’t scoop too deeply. BBQ sauce suggestions Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. A smoky sauce adds depth to the dish. If you like heat, try a spicy BBQ sauce. For a sweeter taste, go for a honey BBQ. You can even make your own sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a personal touch. Cheese options For cheese, cheddar is a classic choice. It melts well and adds a nice flavor. Monterey Jack works too, as it is creamy and mild. You can mix cheeses for a more complex taste. Try adding a sprinkle of mozzarella for a gooey finish. Serving suggestions Serve your zucchini boats on a colorful plate. This makes the dish pop and look more appetizing. A wooden cutting board also adds a rustic touch. Drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top for flair. Garnishing tips Fresh herbs make great garnishes. Use cilantro for a bright flavor. Chopped green onions add a nice crunch. You can also sprinkle some paprika for color. These small touches make a big difference in how your meal looks. Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Select zucchinis that are firm and have a smooth skin for the best texture and flavor in your boats. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add extra ingredients like black beans or jalapeños to the filling for more texture and spice. Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a crispy topping, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. Make Ahead: You can prepare the zucchini boats in advance and store them in the fridge. Just bake them when you're ready to serve! {{image_2}} You can switch up the meat in BBQ chicken zucchini boats. Ground turkey works great. It has a mild taste and is leaner. Ground beef also makes a tasty choice. It adds a rich flavor. For a vegetarian option, try black beans or lentils. They add protein and texture. You can mix them with your BBQ sauce for a delicious filling. Boost the flavor with spices and herbs. Try adding garlic powder for a savory kick. Paprika adds a nice smoky flavor. You can also use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They bring a fresh taste. Don't forget about other veggies. Chopped mushrooms or spinach can add more nutrients. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor combinations. Pair your zucchini boats with side dishes. A fresh salad can balance the meal. Serve with rice or quinoa for a hearty option. To make it a full meal, add fruit. Grilled peaches or watermelon can add sweetness. You can also serve with a dipping sauce. Extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing works well. To store leftovers, let the BBQ chicken zucchini boats cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe. Use containers made of glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials help avoid unwanted flavors. Yes, you can freeze stuffed zucchinis! Wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them from getting freezer burn. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This warms them through without making them soggy. The BBQ chicken zucchini boats last in the fridge for about 3-5 days. If you freeze them, they can last up to 2-3 months. Look for signs of spoilage like a bad smell or discoloration. If they feel slimy or mushy, it’s best to toss them. You can use homemade alternatives for BBQ sauce. A mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices works well. Try adding honey or molasses for sweetness. You can also use mustard for a tangy twist. For low-sugar options, look for sugar-free BBQ sauce brands. You can also mix tomato sauce with spices to cut down on sugar. This gives you flavor without the extra calories. Yes, you can prepare these BBQ chicken zucchini boats ahead of time. Just make the filling and stuff the zucchinis, then cover them. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For best freezing practices, freeze the stuffed zucchinis before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. You can tell zucchinis are done by checking for tenderness. Insert a fork into the flesh; it should slide in easily. To check cheese doneness, look for a golden brown color and bubbling. If the cheese is melted and slightly browned, your dish is ready! Stuffed zucchini boats are a fun and tasty dish. This blog covered key ingredients like chicken, BBQ sauce, and colorful veggies. We walked through easy steps to prepare, cook, and assemble your boats. You learned tips to enhance flavors and make the meal shine. I shared variations to suit different tastes and how to store leftovers. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe. Enjoy making your easy, healthy, and delicious stuffed zucchini boats!$

Delicious zucchini boats filled with BBQ chicken, corn, and cheese, baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 cup corn kernels
1 whole bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup shredded cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro or green onions

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon, creating a boat. Lightly brush the insides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
On a skillet over medium heat, add the diced red onion and bell pepper, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, sautéed onions, and bell pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are coated.
Stuff the zucchini boats generously with the BBQ chicken mixture. Make sure to press down slightly to fit as much filling as possible.
Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each stuffed zucchini.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve on a cutting board or a colorful plate, and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top for an appetizing look.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, stuffed, zucchini