BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Alternatives for shredded chicken: You can use canned chicken or diced rotisserie chicken. For a vegetarian twist, use black beans or lentils instead. - Different BBQ sauce options: Choose your favorite sauce like honey BBQ or spicy chipotle. You can also make your own with ketchup and spices. - Cheese variations: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese for a unique taste. Mixing cheeses can add depth to the flavor. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both tasty and fun to make. The zucchini serves as a healthy base, while the BBQ chicken filling packs a punch. The cheese melts beautifully, adding richness to each bite. As you prepare, feel free to get creative with what you have. Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these ideas can help you customize your zucchini boats to your liking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center using a spoon. Be careful not to pierce the skin. This creates the boat shape. 3. Season the insides of the zucchini boats with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This adds flavor to the dish. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, and red onion. Stir until everything is mixed well. 2. Fill each zucchini boat with the BBQ chicken mixture. Press down gently to pack it in. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. 1. Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 2. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each filled boat. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. The zucchinis should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. 4. Check for doneness by piercing a zucchini with a fork. If it goes in easily, they are ready! When making zucchini boats, you want the best result. To stop soggy zucchinis, you should scoop out just enough flesh. Leave some of the flesh inside for structure. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt inside the boats. This helps draw out excess moisture. To achieve the perfect cheese melt, use fresh cheese. Grate it yourself for a smoother melt. Spread it evenly on top. This way, every bite has that cheesy goodness. Serving your BBQ chicken zucchini boats can be fun! Pair them with a light salad. A simple green salad works well. You can also serve them with sweet potato fries. For a nice touch, try to garnish with fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro or parsley adds color and flavor. Arrange the boats on a colorful platter. This makes the dish look inviting. Avoid overfilling the zucchini. If you pack it too tightly, the filling will spill out. This messes with the cooking too. Not seasoning adequately is another big mistake. Always taste your filling before filling the boats. A little salt and pepper go a long way. You want every bite to burst with flavor. Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and shiny. Smaller zucchinis can become too soft when baked. Texture Matters: For extra crunch, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or celery to the chicken mixture. Experiment with Sauces: Try different BBQ sauces, such as honey mustard or spicy chipotle, to change the flavor profile of your dish. Make Ahead: You can prepare the zucchini boats and filling ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you're ready to serve. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of BBQ chicken zucchini boats easily. Try adding spices like paprika or cumin for a kick. You can also swap BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce for heat. If you want a vegetarian option, use black beans or tofu. They both add protein and flavor without the meat. Using seasonal vegetables makes this dish even better. In summer, fresh zucchini shines. You can add tomatoes, bell peppers, or corn for a fresh taste. In winter, consider using butternut squash or sweet potatoes. They provide a different flavor and still work well in boats. To make this dish a complete meal, think about adding more protein. You could serve it with grilled chicken or shrimp on the side. A fresh salad or crusty bread pairs well too. These options round out the meal and make it hearty. To store leftovers, let the zucchini boats cool first. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture may change. To reheat, place the zucchini boats in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the zucchini tender and the cheese nice and melted. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the zucchini a bit soggy. If you want to freeze the boats, wrap them well in plastic wrap. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before reheating. Making BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats ahead of time is easy. You can prepare the filling and stuff the zucchini boats. Just save the baking for later. This way, you can bake them fresh when you’re ready to eat. If you want to freeze them before baking, that works too. Just make sure they are well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. You can tell zucchinis are done when they are soft. A fork should easily pierce the flesh. Look for a slight bend in the zucchini. The cheese on top should be melted and bubbly. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes in the oven. Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Mix the chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, and onions. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, scoop out the zucchinis and fill them. Bake when you are ready to eat. If you want to switch it up, try using salsa or hot sauce. You can also make a yogurt sauce with herbs. For a sweet twist, use teriyaki sauce or honey mustard. Each option adds a unique flavor to the dish. To reduce water, sprinkle salt inside the zucchini halves. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This draws out moisture. Also, bake the zucchinis for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps keep them firm and less soggy. In this article, we explored how to make delicious BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats. You learned about the required ingredients, how to prepare, fill, and bake them. We also discussed tips to avoid common mistakes, variations to try, and storage methods for leftovers. Zucchini boats are a fun and healthy meal option. With simple steps and tasty alternatives, you can customize your dish to suit your taste. Enjoy making these yummy boats with your favorite flavors!$

BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with BBQ chicken and topped with cheese.

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 shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cup corn
0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh cilantro or parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon, creating a boat shape. Be careful not to pierce the skin.
Season the insides of the zucchini boats with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, and red onion. Mix until well combined.
Fill each zucchini boat with the BBQ chicken mixture, pressing down gently to pack it.
Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each filled boat.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your taste.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, easy, healthy, zucchini