Description
These Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy meal that combines tender zucchini with savory shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for a low-carb dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and bakes to bubbly, golden perfection. A flavorful, gluten-free dish that satisfies cravings without the extra carbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and scooped out
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Chicken Mixture
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Zucchini Boats: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the centers using a spoon to create hollow ‘boats.’ Lightly brush each zucchini half with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly on both the inside and outside.
- Mix Chicken Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked, shredded chicken breast with barbecue sauce and finely chopped red onion, stirring well until the mixture is evenly coated and flavorful.
- Stuff the Zucchini: Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each prepared zucchini boat, dividing it evenly among all halves to ensure each boat is generously filled.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle a combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the stuffed zucchini to create a cheesy, melty topping.
- Bake: Place the stuffed zucchini boats on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient shortcut to prepare the filling.
- For extra smoky flavor, try grilling the zucchini boats instead of baking them.
- You can adjust the amount of cheese or barbecue sauce based on personal preference.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 zucchini halves
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
