Name: Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast; ½ cup BBQ sauce; ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

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The Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe is a showstopper of a dish that fuses comfort food soul with a bright, fresh twist. Each zucchini boat is filled with juicy BBQ chicken and bubbling, melty cheese, promising all the flavor of a backyard classic without any of the carbs or fuss. It’s about as close to pure joy as dinner gets—bold, savory, totally satisfying, and healthy enough for seconds. Whether you’re weeknight meal-prepping or serving up casual company fare, this recipe delivers every time!

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of honest, every day ingredients are all you need for Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe perfection. Each one has a special job to do, whether it’s providing crunch, richness, tang, or that irresistible cheesy stretch.

Zucchinis: These form the perfect edible shells, tender when baked and packed with vitamins.
Cooked and shredded chicken breast (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, and it soaks up BBQ flavor beautifully.
BBQ sauce (½ cup): Choose your favorite, whether sweet, smoky, spicy—or even homemade!
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Cheddar melts into gooey gold and adds that unmistakable cheesy sharpness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): For perfect stretchy, creamy melt atop each zucchini boat.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Brings a punch of color and mild, sweet zing.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Lightly brushed to keep the zucchini tender and juicy.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out every flavor in the pan.
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish): A fresh, herby pop to finish it all off!

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your zucchinis, slice them lengthwise, and use a spoon to gently scoop out the center flesh, creating those classic “boat” shapes. Don’t rush—leave a sturdy shell so the filling holds snugly.

Step 2: Season and Arrange

Drizzle or brush the insides of each zucchini half with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Arrange the boats cut side up in a roomy baking dish, giving each enough space to bake evenly. This little pre-seasoning makes a big difference in flavor!

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a medium bowl, combine your cooked, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and the finely chopped red onion. Stir until the chicken is coated and the duo takes on a luscious, saucy glaze. At this point, feel free to sneak in a taste—you’ll know you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini Boats

With a generous hand, spoon the chicken mixture into each zucchini boat, mounding up the filling so every bite has a little bit of everything. No need to be dainty—the more BBQ chicken, the better!

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle both the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the filled zucchini. This irresistible cheese blend is what takes the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe from good to unforgettable.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil (to keep everything moist while the zucchini softens) and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes—just long enough for the cheese to turn golden, bubbling, and slightly toasted on top.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions over the hot boats for a pop of color and freshness. Let them cool for a few minutes to set before serving up this stunning Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe to hungry smiles!

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley or sliced green onions not only boosts the visual appeal but also adds a fresh note that balances the rich, cheesy filling. For a touch of heat, you can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra zing.

Side Dishes

These zucchini boats are deeply satisfying but pair beautifully with sides like crisp garden salads, corn on the cob, or roasted sweet potatoes. If you want to keep things low carb, cauliflower rice or grilled asparagus are both fantastic options to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try lining up the zucchini boats on a long platter for a festive family-style presentation, or serve two at a time, nestled side by side on individual plates for a restaurant-style look. For parties, slice each boat into “mini” portions and secure with toothpicks for the ultimate, adorable appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor often gets even better overnight as the BBQ chicken melds with the veggies and cheese!

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, assemble and fill the zucchini boats, then wrap tightly and freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as instructed. Freezing them fully baked is possible, too; just know the zucchini may soften a bit more after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange your boats on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and place in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. For best texture, avoid microwaving, but it works in a pinch—just use low power to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded pork, chopped turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist all work wonderfully. The Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe is super flexible—make it your own.

How do I keep the zucchini from getting soggy?

Be sure not to scoop too much from the center, and don’t overbake—just until the zucchini is fork-tender and the cheese is golden. Brushing the boats with olive oil and seasoning them first also helps enhance their structure and flavor.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

This comes down to personal taste! Use your favorite store-bought or homemade BBQ sauce, whether you like sweet, smoky, or spicy. For extra depth, mix two sauces together and taste before adding.

Can I make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe ahead?

Yes, you can prep the zucchini boats and filling a day ahead, store them separately, then assemble and bake fresh. Or, assemble fully, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is this dish really low carb?

Yes! This Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe fits perfectly into most low carb or gluten-free eating plans, since zucchini takes the place of bread or grains. Each serving is loaded with protein and plenty of veggies.

Final Thoughts

Gather your ingredients and give the Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe a whirl—you’ll be amazed at how easily a few pantry basics turn into something crave-worthy. It’s hearty, transportable, and always a hit, whether you’re feeding the family or just treating yourself to a little weeknight comfort. Can’t wait to hear how you make this recipe your own!

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy a low-carb meal. Tender zucchini boats are filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and two types of cheese, then baked to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini Boats:

4 medium zucchinis
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

BBQ Chicken Filling:

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
½ cup BBQ sauce
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

Cheese Topping:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the zucchinis: Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers to create boats. Brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
Fill the boats: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and red onion. Fill each zucchini boat with the mixture.
Add cheese: Top with cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is golden.
Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions before serving.