Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats, featuring tender zucchini filled with flavorful BBQ chicken and melted cheese. This low-carb, savory dish makes a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines fresh vegetables with a sticky, tangy barbecue twist.
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
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or mozzarella)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the zucchini boats.
- Prepare zucchini boats: Slice each medium zucchini lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds from the center to create hollowed ‘boats’ ready to be stuffed.
- Season zucchini: Drizzle olive oil over each zucchini half, then season with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Mix chicken and BBQ sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is evenly coated, creating a sticky and flavorful filling.
- Fill zucchini boats: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into the hollowed zucchini halves, ensuring each boat is stuffed generously.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese of your choice—Cheddar or mozzarella—over the filled zucchini boats to add creaminess and flavor.
- Bake: Place the filled 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 is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and optionally sprinkle chopped green onions and cilantro on top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- You can substitute the shredded chicken with pulled pork or beef for a different protein option.
- Using mozzarella cheese gives a gooey melt, while cheddar provides a sharper flavor; feel free to blend both for the best taste.
- These zucchini boats pair well with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
