Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats yet, you’re in for a real treat! These little gems are not only super delicious, but they also pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. The combination of tender, shredded chicken coated in sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, all nestled in fresh, roasted zucchini, is simply mouthwatering. I mean, who knew healthy could taste this good? Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them perfect for just about anyone! I love how easy they are to whip up for a weeknight dinner or even for meal prep. Trust me, once you make these sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 2 medium zucchinis: These should be fresh and firm, sliced in half lengthwise to create the perfect boat for our filling.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience—just make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces.
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce to add that sticky, sweet flavor. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese: I love using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a melty, gooey topping, but feel free to use your favorite cheese.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will help keep the zucchini moist while adding a lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that wonderful, savory flavor that complements the chicken and BBQ sauce so well.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a bit of sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key, so sprinkle in some salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.
How to Prepare Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Preheat the Oven
First things first, we want to get our oven ready! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures that our zucchini boats cook evenly and get that perfect tender texture. While the oven heats up, you can gather your ingredients and start prepping the zucchinis—multitasking at its best!
Prepare the Zucchini
Now, let’s get those zucchinis ready! Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, so you create those lovely little boats. Use a spoon to scoop out the center, making sure to leave enough flesh on the sides to hold everything together. Don’t toss that scooped-out zucchini! You can chop it up and add it to the chicken filling for an extra veggie boost!
Mix the Chicken Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken with the barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I like to mix it all together until everything is well coated—this is where the magic happens! If you want to adjust the flavors, taste the mixture and add more BBQ sauce or seasoning as needed. Trust me, the more flavor, the better!
Fill and Bake
Time to assemble! Spoon the chicken mixture generously into each zucchini half, packing it in there nicely. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the filled zucchinis, then sprinkle on the shredded cheese. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Oh, that aroma will drive you wild!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Loaded with flavor from the sticky BBQ sauce and melted cheese.
- Healthy and guilt-free, thanks to the zucchini and lean chicken.
- Gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs without compromising taste.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies or switch up the proteins.
- Great for meal prep, so you can enjoy delicious leftovers!
Tips for Success
To really nail these sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats, don’t hesitate to play around with the seasonings! If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture. Switching up the cheese is a fun way to keep things interesting—pepper jack or gouda can add a delightful twist! And remember, you can toss in any leftover veggies you have on hand for extra flavor and nutrition. Happy cooking!
Variations
Get creative with your sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats! Try swapping out the chicken for shredded beef or pulled pork for a different flavor experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, use a teriyaki sauce instead of BBQ for an Asian twist! You can also mix in diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the chicken filling for added texture and taste. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which I doubt because they’re so good!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes if you want that cheese to get all melty again. Yum!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats, not only do they taste fantastic, but they’re also pretty wholesome! Each zucchini boat is estimated to have around 250 calories, with about 10g of fat and a solid 20g of protein, making them a filling choice. Plus, you’ll get around 18g of carbs, which is great for a healthy dish! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but overall, they’re a nutritious option for any meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use other vegetables for the boats? Absolutely! While zucchini is my favorite, you can use bell peppers, eggplant, or even hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun twist.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the zucchini boats and fill them with the chicken mixture a day in advance. Just cover them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake!
What type of barbecue sauce works best? It really depends on your taste! I love a sweet and smoky BBQ sauce, but feel free to use a tangy or spicy one if that’s your vibe. Just remember to adjust the amount based on your preference.
How do I know when they’re done? Keep an eye on the zucchinis—when they’re tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden, you’re all set! A fork should easily pierce the zucchini.
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Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats: 5 Reasons to Love Them
Sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats are a delicious and healthy meal option. They combine tender chicken with flavorful barbecue sauce, all served in fresh zucchini.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fill the zucchini halves with the chicken mixture.
- Drizzle olive oil over the zucchini boats.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until zucchinis are tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- You can use any cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the chicken mixture.
- Adjust the barbecue sauce to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sticky bbq chicken zucchini boats