Skinny BBQ Chicken Zucchini

Skinny BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a nutritious and flavorful twist on a classic American favorite. This dish swaps out traditional heavy carbs for tender, hollowed-out zucchini, creating a light yet satisfying meal. Filled with smoky shredded chicken, sautéed onions, and tangy BBQ sauce, and topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese, these boats offer a protein-packed dinner that doesn't skimp on taste.

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Creating these stuffed boats is not only healthy but also incredibly easy. The zucchini acts as a perfect vessel for the rich BBQ chicken, while the baking process softens the vegetable to a buttery consistency. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of a BBQ feast in a lighter, veggie-forward format that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (gluten-free if needed)
• ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

Wash the zucchini and slice each one in half lengthwise. Scoop out the center with a spoon, leaving about ¼ inch shell to form a boat. Reserve ½ cup of the scooped flesh, chop it, and set aside.

Step 3

Place the zucchini boats cut-side up in the prepared baking dish. Lightly brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 4

In a skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the reserved chopped zucchini flesh and cook for 1-2 minutes more.

Step 5

In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed onion and zucchini, and BBQ sauce. Mix well.

Step 6

Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 7

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 8

Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make the process even faster, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for the shredded protein. When scooping the zucchini, use a metal spoon to carefully carve out the center, making sure not to pierce the bottom of the boat. Using aluminum foil during the first part of the bake is essential for steaming the zucchini until it is tender.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily adjust the flavors by adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the chicken mixture for extra depth. If you prefer a different cheese, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are excellent substitutes for cheddar. Always ensure your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free if you are preparing this as a gluten-free meal.

Serviervorschläge

These zucchini boats are quite filling on their own, but they pair beautifully with a light green salad or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb dinner. Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.

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Enjoy this delicious and healthy BBQ chicken meal as a guilt-free dinner option. With its perfect balance of vegetables and protein, it is a recipe that you can feel good about serving any night of the week.

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use a different cheese for topping?

Yes, Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be substituted for cheddar based on preference or dietary needs.

→ What’s the best way to prepare the zucchini boats?

Slice zucchini lengthwise, scoop out the center leaving a sturdy shell, then lightly brush with olive oil and season before filling.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce and ensure other ingredients don’t contain gluten.

→ Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut?

Absolutely, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well to save time without compromising flavor.

→ Can smoked paprika enhance flavor?

Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the mixture introduces a subtle smoky depth that complements the BBQ sauce.