You know those weeknights where you’re just *drained* and the thought of cooking a big meal feels like climbing a mountain? Yeah, me too! That’s why I’m obsessed with recipes that are not only super easy but also taste amazing and make you feel good. And that’s exactly where these BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats come in. Seriously, they’ve become my absolute go-to when I need something quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. They’re like a little taste of summer barbecue, but all snuggled up in a tender zucchini boat. I first whipped these up on a whim when I had a ton of zucchini from the farmer’s market and some leftover shredded chicken from my BBQ chicken sweet potato recipe. They were a total hit, and now the whole family requests them regularly!
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Okay, so why are these BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats seriously a game-changer? Let me break it down for you:
- It’s ridiculously easy! Seriously, if you can shred chicken and mix two things together, you’ve basically got this down. Total weeknight win.
- Healthy AND Delicious. You get your veggies, lean protein, and that sweet, smoky BBQ flavor all in one. It’s a meal that tastes indulgent but is actually good for you.
- Super Versatile. Don’t have cheddar? Use Monterey Jack! Not a fan of green onions? Skip ’em or try chopped cilantro. This recipe is totally forgiving.
- Uses Leftovers Like a Champ. Got leftover shredded chicken from that big batch you made? Perfect! This is the ideal way to keep it from going to waste and turn it into something totally new and exciting.
Ingredients for Your BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Alright, here’s what you’ll need to round up for these yummy BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats. Remember, the magic is in the simplicity!
- 2 medium zucchinis – think of them as your little edible bowls!
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken – leftover rotisserie chicken is like a culinary shortcut here.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce – use your absolute favorite! The kind that makes you happy.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese – or whatever melty cheese your heart desires.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions – for that pop of freshness and color.
Essential Equipment for Making BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
To whip up these amazing BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats, you don’t need a whole fancy kitchen arsenal. Just grab a good sharp knife, a cutting board, a spoon for scooping, a mixing bowl, and a baking sheet. That’s pretty much it! Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Alright, let’s get cooking! Following these steps will make your BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats absolutely perfect. It’s really straightforward, I promise!
Preparing the Zucchini for Your BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
First things first, grab those zucchinis! We need to get them ready to hold all that yummy goodness. Cut each zucchini right down the middle, lengthwise, so you’ve got two halves. Then, using a spoon – I like to use a grapefruit spoon if I have one, but any spoon will do – scoop out the seeds and a little bit of the flesh to make a nice little hollow, like a tiny boat. Don’t scoop too much, or your boat will be too flimsy! A little trick to stop them from getting watery, kind of like we do with our ground beef zucchini skillet, is to lightly salt the inside of the hollows and let them sit for about 10 minutes, then just gently pat them dry with a paper towel before filling. It really makes a difference!
Creating the Flavorful BBQ Chicken Filling
Now for the star of the show – the filling! This is super simple. Just toss that shredded chicken into a bowl with your favorite BBQ sauce. Give it a good stir until all that chicken is coated in that delicious, smoky sauce. If you’re using leftover chicken, like from my BBQ chicken sweet potato recipe, this is where it truly shines and gets a whole new life! I usually add just enough sauce to make it moist and flavorful, not soupy. You can totally taste it and add more sauce if you like it extra saucy!
Assembling and Baking Your BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Okay, time to put it all together! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, spoon that glorious BBQ chicken mixture into each of your zucchini boats. Pile it in there generously! Once they’re all filled, sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese right over the top. Oh, the melty cheese is just the best part! Arrange your filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet – I like to line mine with parchment paper to catch any drips and make cleanup a breeze, just like in my chicken parmesan zucchini boats. Pop them into the hot oven and let them bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the zucchini is fork-tender and that cheese is all bubbly and golden. Mmm, smell that?
Garnishing and Serving Your Delicious Creation
Almost done! Once they come out of the oven, just sprinkle those chopped green onions over the top. It adds such a lovely fresh bite and a nice bit of color to contrast with the BBQ chicken and cheese. Serve them up hot and watch them disappear! Honestly, they’re great just like this, maybe with a simple side salad if you’re feeling extra fancy.
Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Alright, so you want these BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats to be absolutely perfect every single time, right? I totally get it! Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that really make a difference. First off, choose your zucchinis wisely – you want ones that are firm and medium-sized. Big ones can sometimes be a bit watery and seedy, and nobody wants a soggy boat! When you’re scooping them out, be honest, don’t go *too* crazy, or you’ll have a leaky situation on your hands. Oh, and that little tip about salting them? Trust me on that, it really helps draw out extra moisture, kind of like how we do with some of our other zucchini goodies, like these secretly healthy zucchini brownies or even those delicious carrot and zucchini bars (seriously, try those too!). Also, don’t be shy with that cheese topping, it’s there to make everything meld together beautifully!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Let’s chat about the ingredients for these BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats for a sec! Sometimes, you might not have exactly what’s listed, and that’s totally okay. The beauty of this recipe is how flexible it is. For the shredded chicken, honestly, any cooked chicken works! I’m a huge fan of using leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s already seasoned and super tender. If you don’t have chicken, leftover shredded pork or even ground turkey would be delicious in here, kind of like how we mix things up in my Thai peanut chicken wraps. And the BBQ sauce? This is where you can really play! Use your favorite sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy sauce – they all bring something a little different to the party. For the cheese, cheddar is great because it melts beautifully and has a nice flavor, but Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even a sprinkle of smoked gouda would be fantastic. The green onions add a nice fresh bite, but if you’re not a fan, finely chopped cilantro or a tiny bit of minced red onion would also be yummy on top!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Your BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
I love that these BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats can be prepped ahead, making busy weeknights even smoother! You can totally scoop out your zucchinis and mix up the BBQ chicken filling a day in advance. Just keep them stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble everything and bake as usual. Leftovers? Oh yes! They store beautifully in the fridge for about 2-3 days. To reheat, I usually pop them in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and still nice and tender.
Variations to Customize Your BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Honestly, part of what I LOVE about these BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats is how easily you can tweak them to fit what you have or what you’re craving! Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen. You could totally sneak in some other veggies like corn, black beans, or even some finely diced bell peppers right into the chicken mixture. For a bit of a kick, maybe add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to your BBQ sauce. If chicken isn’t your thing, try it with shredded pork or even some crumbled, cooked plant-based sausage! It’s all about making them your own. If you love stuffed veggies, you might also adore my Mediterranean stuffed zucchini for something a little different!
Nutritional Information for BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Since everyone’s BBQ sauce and cheese can be a little different, these numbers are just a good guess, okay? But for about one amazing BBQ Chicken Boat, you’re looking at roughly 250 calories. Plus, you get a solid 25g of protein, around 15g of carbs (with 3g of that being filling fiber!), and about 10g of healthy fats. It’s a super satisfying meal that fits right into enjoying tasty, healthy food! Check out my low-carb and healthy recipes for more ideas like this!
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Got questions about whipping up your own BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats? I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to have a few queries when you’re trying out a new recipe, especially when it’s this easy and adaptable. Let’s dive into some common ones to make sure your dinner goes off without a hitch!
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Oh, absolutely! If you don’t have shredded chicken handy, ground chicken is a fantastic substitute. You’ll want to cook the ground chicken first, drain any fat, and then mix it with the BBQ sauce just like you would with shredded chicken. It’ll give you a slightly different texture, but still incredibly delicious!
What can I use if I don’t have cheddar cheese?
No cheddar? No problem! This recipe is super forgiving. Monterey Jack is a great choice because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. A Mexican blend cheese mix would also be yummy. For something a little richer and smokier, try Gruyère or even a sprinkle of smoked Gouda. They all lend a lovely creamy topping!
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting soggy?
This is the golden question! My top tip is to scoop out the seeds and a bit of the flesh from the zucchini boats, and then give them a little sprinkle of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, and then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps draw out some of the excess moisture before you even add the filling. Also, make sure not to overbake them; just until they’re tender, not mushy!
Share Your BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boat Creations!
Okay, I’ve told you everything I know, but the real fun is seeing what YOU create! Did you try these BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats? I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Drop a comment below and tell me what you thought, or maybe share a picture of your masterpiece on Instagram – don’t forget to tag me! If you made any fun swaps or had a cooking adventure, I want to hear it! You can also reach out via my contact page. Happy cooking!
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BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and healthy zucchini boats filled with BBQ chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut zucchinis in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds to create a boat shape.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken and BBQ sauce.
- Fill the zucchini boats with the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place zucchini boats on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust BBQ sauce amount to your preference.
- Add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 boat
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bbq chicken, zucchini boats, healthy dinner, easy recipe, low carb