BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice) - 1 red bell pepper, finely diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, for garnish You can add more flavors with these options: - Chopped jalapeños for heat - Black beans for extra protein - Sliced green onions for crunch - A squeeze of lime juice for zest One serving offers: - Calories: 360 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 28g - Dietary Fiber: 4g - Total Fat: 16g - Saturated Fat: 7g - Sugars: 10g Knowing what goes into your food helps you make better choices. Each ingredient plays its part in taste and nutrients. Zucchini is low in calories and high in vitamins. The chicken adds protein, while the BBQ sauce brings a sweet and tangy kick. Adding corn gives a nice texture, and cheese melts beautifully on top. These facts make this dish both tasty and good for you. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, take 4 medium zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh, making a boat shape. This step is key for holding the filling. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper inside each zucchini half to add flavor. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely diced red bell pepper and 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Then, mix in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of corn kernels. Stir well to combine. Pour in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and mix again. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated. Now it’s time to fill the zucchini boats! Generously spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each half. Make sure to pack it well. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled boat for that delicious cheesy goodness. Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the zucchinis to be tender and the cheese bubbly. When done, take them out and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken zucchini boats! To cut zucchini, start by washing it well. Place the zucchini on a cutting board. Hold it steady and cut it in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh. This creates a nice boat shape. Be careful not to scoop too much. You want enough zucchini left to hold the filling. The BBQ sauce you choose can change the whole dish. I love using a tangy sauce that has a bit of sweetness. Brands like Sweet Baby Ray's or Stubb's are great options. If you like heat, try a spicy BBQ sauce. You can also make your own sauce using ketchup, vinegar, and honey. Mix in some spices for extra flavor. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for these zucchini boats. It melts nicely and tastes great. If you want to switch things up, consider using mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. Goat cheese adds a creamy touch. You can mix different cheeses too. Just sprinkle it on top before baking for a tasty finish. Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Opt for medium-sized zucchinis for a perfect balance between tenderness and holding shape when baked. Customize the BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces, such as sweet, smoky, or spicy, to enhance the flavor profile. Add Some Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts or breadcrumbs to the filling before baking. Make it a Meal: Serve these zucchini boats with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. {{image_2}} You can make BBQ chicken zucchini boats vegetarian. Swap the chicken with black beans or chickpeas. Both add great protein and texture. Use your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor. Add diced mushrooms for a meaty bite. You can also mix in some spinach or kale for extra greens. These swaps keep the dish filling and tasty. Love some heat? Turn up the spice in your BBQ chicken zucchini boats. Add diced jalapeños to the chicken mix. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce. Hot sauce is another option. Just stir it into the BBQ sauce before mixing it with the chicken. Remember to taste as you go. You want a nice kick but not too much. Toppings can really make your zucchini boats shine. Try adding diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream after baking. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint add a fresh touch. You can also sprinkle some crispy fried onions on top for crunch. These toppings give your dish extra flavor and fun textures. To store your BBQ chicken zucchini boats, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them fresh, use a container that fits well. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat them later, it’s best to store them without the cheese to avoid sogginess. To reheat your BBQ chicken zucchini boats, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boats on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat them for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quick option. Just add a splash of water and cover them. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm. You can freeze BBQ chicken zucchini boats for later use. After they cool, wrap each boat in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, you can savor the flavors even later! No, using raw chicken is not safe. Cooked chicken is ready to eat. It keeps the dish safe and tasty. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Both options work well and save time. Zucchini boats are done when they are soft. Check the cheese, too. It should be bubbly and golden. A fork can easily pierce the zucchini. If it feels tender, your boats are ready. These boats pair nicely with many sides. Try a fresh salad for a light option. Cornbread adds a nice touch, too. You can also serve rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken zucchini boats! Zucchini boats are a tasty and fun dish. We covered ingredients, preparation, and cooking tips. You can customize them with flavors, sauces, and toppings. Also, the storage info helps you keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy trying different variations or serving options. Whether spicy or vegetarian, there's a zucchini boat for everyone. Now, you can make these tasty meals with confidence. Happy cooking!$

BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with BBQ chicken, vegetables, and cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create a boat shape. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the red bell pepper and red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the shredded chicken and corn, mixing everything thoroughly. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir until well combined. Let cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Fill each zucchini boat generously with the BBQ chicken mixture.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each filled zucchini boat.
Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve the BBQ chicken zucchini boats on a colorful platter, and add extra cilantro for a fresh touch. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce can also elevate the presentation!

Keyword BBQ, chicken, easy, healthy, zucchini