Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that bursts with flavor, these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are about to earn a spot in your recipe rotation. Imagine tender zucchini cradling smoky, saucy chicken, all cloaked in golden, melted cheddar. It’s a playful twist on classic comfort food, marrying the freshness of summer veggies with the irresistible tang of your favorite BBQ sauce. Whether you’re making the most of zucchini season or just want a fun, family-pleasing main dish, this is the meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats is in their simplicity — each ingredient brings something unique, whether it’s bold flavor, savory depth, or that perfect cheesy finish. With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll create a dish that looks as vibrant as it tastes.

• Olive oil: Essential for greasing the baking pan and brushing on the zucchini to keep everything tender and prevent sticking.
• 4 medium zucchini: Try to select zucchini of similar size so the boats cook evenly and present beautifully.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a subtle punch of savoriness that builds depth into the filling.
• ½ red onion, finely diced: Red onion brings a pop of color and a sweet, zesty note to the mix.
• 1 pound cooked shredded chicken breast: You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and add effortless flavor.
• 1 cup low sugar BBQ sauce, divided: Using a tangy BBQ sauce (like Stubb’s Spicy) gives just the right kick, and you control how saucy you like them.
• 1 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: The magic ingredient, cheddar melts into gooey perfection atop the hearty filling.
• Cilantro and green onions (to garnish): These fresh herbs provide brightness, color, and a finishing burst of flavor.

How to Make Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Give your 9×13 inch pan a light coat of olive oil to keep those vibrant zucchini boats from sticking as they bake. This little bit of preparation ensures that cleanup will be a breeze and your boats will stay beautifully intact when serving.

Step 2: Hollow Out the Zucchini

Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise, then gently use a spoon to scoop out the centers, forming lovely “boats.” Leave about a quarter-inch rim so they hold their shape. Not only does this create the perfect vessel for our filling, but it also allows all those great flavors to mingle with the zucchini as it bakes.

Step 3: Arrange and Brush with Olive Oil

Nestle the hollowed-out zucchini snugly in your prepared pan. If they won’t all fit, simply use a second pan — no worries! Brush the inside of each boat with a bit of olive oil or use a natural oil spray, giving them a glossy coat that will help them roast up beautifully tender.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium. Toss in your diced red onion and garlic, and sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to soften and the garlic to turn fragrant, laying down the first enticing layer of flavor for our filling.

Step 5: Prepare the BBQ Chicken Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onions and garlic with your shredded chicken, ½ cup of the BBQ sauce, and ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Mix it all together until the chicken is well-coated, cheesy, and ready to be stuffed into those waiting zucchini boats.

Step 6: Stuff and Top the Zucchini Boats

Spoon the tasty BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, pressing it gently down. Top each boat with another spoonful of BBQ sauce for that extra tangy kick, then sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese over the top for a blanket of melty, golden goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Melty Perfection

Cover your pan with foil and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the cheese has melted into a bubbly layer and the zucchinis are fork-tender. This gentle baking time allows the flavors to really come together while keeping the zucchini boats lush and satisfying.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the boats are done, reveal their cheesy tops and finish them with a generous scattering of fresh cilantro and sliced green onions. These finishing touches add a burst of freshness and make each serving a total showstopper.

How to Serve Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Garnishes

Don’t skip the final sprinkle of fresh cilantro and green onions. Not only do they bring a beautiful pop of color, but their crisp, herbal notes brighten every bite and cut through the richness of the BBQ chicken and cheese. You can also try a little diced jalapeño or a dusting of smoked paprika if you love a little kick!

Side Dishes

Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats pair perfectly with lots of summery sides. Try them with a simple green salad tossed in a citrusy vinaigrette, classic grilled corn, or even some fluffy quinoa for extra staying power. And if you’re feeling adventurous, they’re incredible with sweet potato fries or a tangy slaw on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner or meal prep lunches, arrange the boats side by side on a big platter, and offer little bowls of extra BBQ sauce, diced avocado, or chopped tomatoes for everyone to customize. For parties, cut the boats in half yet again and serve them as hearty handheld appetizers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply store the cooled Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and full of flavor for up to three days, making them an ideal prep-ahead option for busy weeks.

Freezing

Believe it or not, these zucchini boats freeze surprisingly well! Let them cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the zucchini boats in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in a 350-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quick lunch; just be careful not to overcook so the zucchini stays tender and the cheese melts gently.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar adds bold flavor, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack for a milder touch or pepper jack if you want a spicy edge. Mozzarella also melts beautifully and gives you that irresistible cheese pull.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Simply replace the chicken with canned chickpeas, lentils, or even sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, plant-based version. Use your favorite vegetarian BBQ sauce and you’re good to go.

What should I do with the scooped-out zucchini centers?

Don’t toss them! Chop up the zucchini pulp and sauté it with your onions and garlic, or save it for adding to soups, omelets, or even frittatas for zero waste and extra nutrition.

Can I prepare Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats in advance?

Yes! Assemble the boats and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chilled filling.

Is it possible to use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Definitely — rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that delivers maximum flavor and saves valuable time. Just shred it up, mix with the sauce and you’re set.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Cheesy BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats for yourself. They’re family-friendly with tons of craveable flavor, and they’re the ultimate way to make zucchini something truly special. With every bite, you’ll see just how easy, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing home-cooked meals can be!

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