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Deliciously Easy BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats You Have to Try - Featured Image

Deliciously Easy BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats You Have to Try

Learn how to make delicious BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting fresh, vibrant zucchinis and quality chicken. I always look for firm, unblemished zucchinis that will hold their shape after baking. For the filling, I prefer using cooked chicken breast or thighs — leftovers work beautifully here, which makes this recipe a perfect way to repurpose roast chicken. When it comes to BBQ sauce, I like making my own or choosing one that balances sweetness and tang without overpowering the other flavors.

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (breast or thigh)
  • 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for extra depth

Substitution suggestions: Use ground turkey or shredded pork instead of chicken, swap cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack, and fresh herbs like parsley can replace cilantro if preferred.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh, creating a “boat” about 1/4 inch thick. Save the scooped flesh for the filling if you like.
  3. Brush the zucchini boats lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut side up on the baking sheet.
  4. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, diced red onion, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, packing it gently but not overfilling.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each boat.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving for a fresh finish.

One little trick I’ve learned is to keep an eye on the zucchinis toward the end of baking — you want them tender but still holding their shape, not mushy. This balance makes the dish feel fresh and satisfying.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats, recipe, cooking, food