Description
These Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on classic BBQ chicken. Tender zucchini boats are filled with shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce, then topped with melted cheese for a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchini
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Filling
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or mozzarella)
- Optional toppings: green onions, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the zucchini boats.
- Prepare zucchini boats: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating hollowed-out boats ready to be filled.
- Season zucchini: Drizzle each zucchini half with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and help with roasting.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with BBQ sauce, mixing well so the chicken is evenly coated and sticky.
- Fill zucchini boats: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, filling them generously.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filled zucchini boats to add richness and a gooey texture when melted.
- Bake: Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions or cilantro for a fresh contrast before serving.
Notes
- You can use either cheddar or mozzarella cheese depending on your preference for sharpness or mildness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the chicken mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Ensure the zucchini are not too large or too small to get an ideal filling-to-zucchini ratio.
- These zucchini boats can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
