Cheesy BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats Recipe
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional BBQ chicken. Hollowed-out zucchini halves are filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, red onion, BBQ sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, then baked to perfection for a cheesy, flavorful meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Zucchini Boats
- 4 zucchini (sliced in half lengthwise)
- Olive oil (for brushing zucchini)
- Kosher salt and pepper
Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup red onion (finely diced)
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided, use regular or dairy-free)
Garnish
- Jalapeno slices
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
- Prepare Zucchini: Using a small spoon, carefully hollow out the flesh of each zucchini half, leaving about ¼-inch thickness around the edges to keep the boats intact. Place the zucchini halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season Zucchini: Brush the hollowed zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, finely diced red onion, ½ cup of BBQ sauce, and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Assemble Boats: Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each hollowed zucchini half, filling them generously. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each filled boat.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the zucchini boats for 18 to 20 minutes or until the filling is set and the cheese has fully melted and is slightly golden.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the zucchini boats from the oven, drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup BBQ sauce over the top, and garnish with jalapeno slices, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose medium-sized zucchinis for easier handling and optimal filling capacity.
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan mozzarella cheese.
- You can substitute BBQ sauce with your favorite homemade or store-bought variety; adjust sweetness or spiciness to your preference.
- Leftover zucchini flesh can be chopped and added to soups or sautés to reduce waste.
- For extra heat, add finely diced jalapenos to the chicken mixture before baking.
