Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Name: Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 4 medium zucchinis; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Published: October 7, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of BBQ sauce and melted cheese ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Healthier Option: Zucchini serves as a low-calorie base that adds nutrients without compromising taste.
Customizable: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit various dietary preferences or restrictions.
Great for Meal Prep: These boats are perfect for preparing ahead of time, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Below are the essential tools you’ll need to create your Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and prevents spills in your oven.
Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through zucchini effortless, ensuring clean cuts for stuffing.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily, enhancing flavor integration.
Spoon: A sturdy spoon helps in stuffing the zucchini boats without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup BBQ sauce

For the Zucchini Boats

4 medium zucchinis

Toppings

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

How to Make Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re finished preparing the zucchini boats.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Wash and dry the zucchinis thoroughly.
Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh from each half, creating space for the filling.

Step 3: Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until well coated. This will serve as your flavorful filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini Boats

Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each hollowed zucchini half, ensuring an even distribution among all boats.

Step 5: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each stuffed zucchini boat for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 6: Bake

Place the stuffed zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and cheese is bubbly.

With these straightforward steps, you’ll be enjoying your Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats in no time!

How to Serve Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Serving Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats is all about enhancing their deliciousness and making them a centerpiece at your table. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your serving experience.

Casual Family Dinner

Use individual plates for each family member, showcasing the zucchini boats as the main dish alongside a fresh salad.

Game Day Snack

Present them on a large platter for sharing. Pair with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch or extra BBQ sauce for an interactive experience.

Meal Prep Convenience

Store the stuffed zucchini boats in meal prep containers. They can be easily reheated throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.

Picnic Treat

Pack them in a thermal container to keep warm. Serve alongside whole grain rolls for a complete picnic meal.

Kid-Friendly Presentation

Cut the zucchini boats into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks, making it fun and easy for kids to enjoy.

How to Perfect Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

To ensure your Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose firm zucchinis – Opt for medium-sized zucchinis that are firm to provide solid bases for filling.
Avoid overcooking – Bake just until tender; overcooked zucchinis can become mushy and lose their structure.
Use quality BBQ sauce – Select a flavorful BBQ sauce that complements the chicken without overpowering it.
Experiment with fillings – Feel free to mix in vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.
Top with fresh herbs – Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions after baking for a fresh finish.
Serve immediately – Enjoy the boats right after baking to savor their cheesy goodness at its best.

Best Side Dishes for Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Pair your Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats with delightful side dishes to create a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some great options:

Garden Salad – A refreshing mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers tossed in vinaigrette adds crunch and color.
Quinoa Pilaf – Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs and spices provides a nutritious boost while complementing the flavors of the boats.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn grilled until charred brings summer vibes and pairs well with BBQ flavors.
Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer a satisfying crunch and natural sweetness that balances the savory chicken.
Roasted Broccoli – Lightly seasoned roasted broccoli adds color and nutrients, making it an excellent side choice.
Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the zucchini boats.
Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter create an indulgent side that everyone will love.
Cauliflower Rice – Lightly seasoned cauliflower rice offers a low-carb alternative that absorbs any extra sauce from the boats beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats from good to great. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to properly season your chicken can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to add salt, pepper, and spices before mixing with the BBQ sauce.
Overcooking the zucchini: Cooking zucchini too long can make it mushy. Aim for a slight crunch to maintain texture and flavor.
Using low-quality BBQ sauce: Not all BBQ sauces are created equal. Choose a high-quality sauce that complements the chicken and enhances the dish’s overall taste.
Filling boats too much: Overstuffing zucchini boats might cause them to break apart during baking. Fill them generously but avoid packing too tightly.
Ignoring cooking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your boats while they’re baking. Remove them once the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the zucchini boats to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Wrap each boat in plastic wrap before placing them in the container for extra protection.

Reheating Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place boats on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place one or two boats on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to create steam, covered, for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions readers often have about Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats:

Can I use other proteins for Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats?

Absolutely! You can substitute turkey or beef if you prefer those over chicken.

How do I customize my Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn inside the boats alongside the chicken for added flavor and nutrition.

Are Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats suitable for meal prep?

Yes! These make excellent meal prep options as they store well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated.

What should I serve with Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats?

You can pair these delicious boats with a side salad or some quinoa for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats are not only delicious but also versatile! They offer endless customization options, making it easy to adapt them to your taste preferences or dietary needs. We encourage you to try this fun recipe tonight; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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