Description
These zucchini boats deliver a serious flavor punch with Sticky BBQ Chicken nestled inside your favorite summer veggie. Grab fresh zucchini and get ready to create a simple, delicious dinner that makes weeknight cooking feel like a breeze.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Proteins:
- 1 lb cooked chicken
- 4 medium zucchinis
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: sliced jalapenos
Instructions
- Heat the oven to exactly 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Thoroughly wash 4 medium zucchinis and slice each precisely down the center lengthwise. Remove seeds using a spoon to create clean boat shapes.
- Brush the zucchini interiors with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Combine 1 lb shredded chicken, ¾ cup BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ cup chopped red onion, and half the cilantro in a mixing bowl.
- Carefully spoon the chicken mixture into zucchini boats, pressing gently to fill evenly without overflowing.
- Drizzle the remaining ¼ cup BBQ sauce over the filled boats, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese across the top of each boat. Add sliced jalapeños if you prefer extra heat.
- Place boats in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for exactly 25 minutes at 375°F.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
- Allow boats to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from oven. Garnish with remaining fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Select zucchinis that are straight and uniform in size to ensure even cooking and consistent boat shapes.
- Drain excess liquid from shredded chicken to prevent watery filling and maintain a thick, sticky BBQ consistency.
- For a low-carb version, use sugar-free BBQ sauce and swap regular cheese for a full-fat, low-carb cheese option.
- Make these boats ahead of time by preparing the filling and zucchini boats, then refrigerating until ready to bake, which saves prep time during busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg