These delicious BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini boats combine tender zucchini filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned chicken, vegetables, corn, and tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Author:Lona
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Zucchini Boats
4 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon oil
1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped (optional)
Filling
1/2 pound chicken, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup corn (fresh or thawed)
1/4 cup hot peppers, sliced or chopped (optional)
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
Topping
1 cup cheese (cheddar and/or monterey jack), shredded
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini: Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and hollow them out using a spoon or melon baller until the zucchini shell is about 1/4 inch thick. Reserve and chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh for cooking.
Cook the chicken: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped zucchini flesh, diced red onion, and red bell pepper to the pan. Cook until the vegetables are tender, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add remaining filling ingredients: Stir in the corn, hot peppers if using, and BBQ sauce. Mix well and then turn off the heat to prevent overcooking.
Stuff the zucchini: Spoon the chicken and vegetable mixture into the hollowed-out zucchini halves, packing them evenly.
Top and bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and/or monterey jack cheese evenly over the stuffed zucchini. Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 30-40 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of hot peppers or omitting them altogether.
Use fresh or frozen corn depending on availability.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.