Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts healthy comfort food and cheesy, finger-lickin’ fun, these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are about to become your dinner go-to! Smoky barbecue chicken gets nestled into tender zucchini boats, smothered with sharp cheddar, and baked until golden and bubbly — seriously, this is the kind of weeknight hero that makes everyone at the table swoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats is that you only need a handful of simple ingredients, but each one brings something special to the party. From juicy chicken to gooey cheddar, every component matters — and you’ll probably have most of them on hand already!

• Olive oil: A little goes a long way for flavor and keeps the zucchini from sticking; you’ll use it for greasing and brushing.
• Medium zucchini (4, halved lengthwise): Pick zucchinis that are roughly the same size, so they cook at the same rate and fit perfectly in your baking pan.
• Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic creates aromatic depth, making the filling irresistible.
• Red onion (½, finely diced): Brings a pop of color and a subtle sweetness that rounds out the BBQ flavors.
• Cooked shredded chicken breast (1 pound): Meal-prep superstar! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver here, offering tender bites that soak up all that saucy goodness.
• Low sugar BBQ sauce (1 cup, plus extra): Stubb’s Spicy is a personal favorite for smoky heat, but use any brand and flavor you adore; this is what ties everything together.
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1¼ cups): Melts to gooey perfection, with a bold, tangy zip that cuts through the sauce.
• Cilantro & green onions (for garnish): These bring fresh flavor and a pretty pop of green to finish your boats with style.

Variations

The fun of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats is that you can make them entirely your own! Whether you’re working around dietary needs, spicing things up, or simply cleaning out the fridge, these boats love a good twist.

• Swap the Protein: Try cooked pulled pork, shredded rotisserie turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version that’s every bit as hearty.
• Experiment with Cheese: Pepper jack or mozzarella both melt beautifully and can bring new flavors — think smoky gouda for BBQ’s BFF!
• Go Green: Add chopped spinach or kale right into the chicken mixture for an extra veggie boost that nobody will notice but everyone will appreciate.
• Turn Up the Heat: Drizzle with some hot sauce or stir chopped jalapeños into the filling if you like things extra spicy.

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini Boats

Preheat your oven to 400°F and grab your trusty 9×13-inch pan. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the center seeds and flesh, leaving about a 1/4-inch rim to shape the “boats.” Nestle them in the pan so they fit snugly — they should be touching, but if there’s not enough space, just use two pans. Brush the zucchini with olive oil for that tender, golden finish.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat ½ tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, then sauté your red onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes. You want the onions to soften and turn fragrant, which will make your filling luscious and savory.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to a big mixing bowl. Add the cooked shredded chicken, ½ cup BBQ sauce, and ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until every bite is coated in saucy, cheesy goodness. Try not to eat the mixture straight from the bowl — it’s tempting!

Step 4: Stuff and Top the Boats

Evenly spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into your zucchini boats. Drizzle each boat with about 1 tablespoon more BBQ sauce (or more if you love them extra saucy) and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. The magic happens once that cheese melts in the oven!

Step 5: Bake and Garnish

Cover the pan with foil and bake for 35–45 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is easily pierced with a fork. Once they’re out of the oven, scatter with chopped cilantro and green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Now you’re ready to dig into your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats!

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Garnishes

The magic is all about those finishing touches! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions instantly livens up your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats, adding bright green color and a burst of fresh, herby flavor. For extra heat, toss on a few thinly sliced jalapeños or a swirl of extra BBQ sauce at the end — it’s the easiest way to turn up the excitement.

Side Dishes

Pair these boats with a cool, crunchy slaw or a simple green salad for a fresh contrast to the melty cheese and saucy goodness. Roasted sweet potato wedges, corn on the cob, or even classic potato salad make for a Southern-inspired meal that feels like summer any time of year. I love adding some pickles or a tangy cucumber salad for a bright finish.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats on a big platter for a gorgeous centerpiece, or plate two boats side by side with a dusting of paprika and a few fresh herb sprigs. For a family-style twist, slice the boats crosswise into “fingers” so everyone can grab a piece with their hands — perfect for parties or casual gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats keep beautifully! Just transfer any extras to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, so dare I say — the leftovers are almost better!

Freezing

You can freeze these boats after baking if you have a surplus: let them cool fully, wrap each in foil, and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture of the zucchini may soften a bit, but the cheesy BBQ filling stays scrumptious.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the boats in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F until hot throughout — this keeps the cheese melty! For single servings, a quick microwave on medium power works great too. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese or green onions to revive that just-baked appeal.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a weeknight dinner that’s bursting with bold flavor, feels nourishing, and brings everyone to the table happy, Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are here for you. I can’t wait for you to try them — let your oven do the heavy lifting, and get ready for rave reviews at your next meal!

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