Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini: Delicious & Quick

Name: Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini: Delicious & Quick
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487989H42M15S
Total time: PT-487989H42M15S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchinis; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup BBQ sauce; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

by inass sped

August 31, 2025

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Sticky BBQ chicken zucchini boats have become my go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma of sweet, smoky BBQ sauce mingling with tender chicken and fresh zucchini filled my kitchen, and I just knew I’d stumbled upon something special. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion that the whole family devours. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without anyone complaining! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini

An amazing combination of sweet, smoky BBQ flavors and fresh, tender zucchini.
Super quick prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
A healthier alternative to traditional BBQ dishes, packed with lean protein and veggies.
Budget-friendly ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.
A guaranteed family-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
This BBQ chicken zucchini bake is incredibly versatile and forgiving.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy a satisfying chicken zucchini BBQ skillet meal.

Ingredients for Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Gathering your ingredients for this delightful BBQ chicken zucchini bake is a breeze! The star of the show is definitely the zucchini itself, which we’ll hollow out to create perfect edible boats. You’ll need 4 medium zucchinis, which will serve as your vessel. For the filling, we’re using 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here! The magic really happens with 1 cup BBQ sauce; I love a good sweet and smoky variety for that signature sticky glaze. To top it all off, we have 1 cup shredded cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for that irresistible melted topping. A little 1 tablespoon olive oil is needed to prep the zucchini, plus salt and pepper to taste. For a pop of freshness, consider some optional chopped green onions or parsley for garnish.

Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini: Delicious & Quick - Sticky Bbq Chicken Zucchini - additional detail

How to Make Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats

Get ready for an incredibly simple yet flavorful meal! This BBQ chicken zucchini dinner recipe comes together so easily, you’ll be amazed. The aroma of the sweet BBQ chicken filling those tender zucchini boats is just heavenly.

Step 1: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden finish.
Step 2: Grab your zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise. Then, using a spoon, carefully scoop out the center to create little boat-like cavities. Leave about a 1/4 inch of zucchini flesh around the edges to hold the filling.
Step 3: Lightly brush the insides and outsides of your zucchini boats with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups cooked shredded chicken with the 1 cup BBQ sauce. Stir it all together until the chicken is thoroughly coated in that delicious, sticky sauce.
Step 5: Generously spoon the saucy chicken mixture into each prepared zucchini boat. Pile it high – you want a good amount of that tasty filling in every bite.
Step 6: Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded cheese evenly over the top of the chicken in each zucchini boat. This will melt into a gooey, bubbly topping that makes this dish irresistible.
Step 7: Carefully place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown.
Step 8: Once out of the oven, garnish with optional chopped green onions or parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
Step 9: Serve these amazing chicken zucchini BBQ skillet delights hot and enjoy the fantastic flavors!

Tips for the Best Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini

Want to guarantee your sticky chicken zucchini stir fry is absolutely perfect? Follow these simple tips! Make sure your zucchini boats aren’t too thin, or they might get mushy. Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for the shredded chicken. Don’t be shy with the BBQ sauce; a good coating ensures that signature sticky sweetness. For an extra delicious finish, consider broiling for a minute or two at the end to get that cheese extra bubbly and slightly crisp. Experimenting with different BBQ sauces can also add a fun twist!

What’s the secret to perfect sticky BBQ sauce for the chicken?

The key to a truly sticky BBQ sauce is often a good balance of sweetness and a slight simmer time. Many store-bought sauces are great, but simmering yours for a few extra minutes with a touch of brown sugar or honey can intensify the flavor and create that perfect sticky glaze for your sweet and sticky BBQ chicken zucchini. For more sauce ideas, check out these recipes.

Can I make BBQ chicken zucchini bake ahead of time?

You absolutely can! Prepare the zucchini boats and the chicken mixture separately. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since the components will be cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with chicken zucchini BBQ skillet?

A common pitfall is over-scooping the zucchini, making the boats too thin. Stick to leaving about a quarter-inch of flesh. Also, avoid overcooking the zucchini, which can lead to a mushy texture. Keep an eye on it after the 20-minute mark. Lastly, don’t overmix the chicken and sauce, which can break down the chicken too much. For similar flavor profiles, you might enjoy our Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake.

Best Ways to Serve Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini

These delicious BBQ chicken zucchini casserole boats are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a complete and healthy meal, I love serving them alongside a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette. Another great option is some grilled corn on the cob, which adds a lovely smoky flavor that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, consider a side of baked beans or some fluffy rice. This easy sticky BBQ chicken zucchini dish is so versatile, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion! You might also like our Jalapeno Buffalo Chicken Casserole.

Nutrition Facts for Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini

When enjoying these delightful BBQ chicken zucchini boats, each serving offers a satisfying balance of flavors and nutrients. On average, one boat contains approximately 275 Calories, making it a great choice for a lighter meal. You can expect around 15g Fat, with about 5g coming from Saturated Fat. This dish is also a good source of protein, providing about 22g Protein per serving. For carbohydrates, it’s around 18g Carbohydrates, with 4g Fiber and the sugar content will vary depending on the BBQ sauce used. The Sodium content also depends heavily on the BBQ sauce and cheese, so keep that in mind. For more information on healthy eating, you can refer to resources like the MyPlate guidelines.

Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini: Delicious & Quick - Sticky Bbq Chicken Zucchini - additional detail

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini

Leftovers of this fantastic chicken zucchini BBQ skillet dish are just as delicious the next day! Once they’ve cooled slightly, store any remaining sticky BBQ chicken zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them even longer, these zucchini boats freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You can also reheat them gently in the microwave. For other chicken dishes, consider our Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini

Can I use different types of BBQ sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! The beauty of this BBQ chicken zucchini casserole is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with your favorite BBQ sauce flavors – honey BBQ, spicy chipotle, or even a tangy Carolina-style sauce will work wonderfully and give your sticky BBQ chicken zucchini a unique twist. Just be mindful that different sauces can alter the sweetness and saltiness.

What other vegetables can I use instead of zucchini?

If zucchini isn’t your favorite, you have options! Bell peppers, halved and seeded, make excellent boats for this chicken zucchini BBQ skillet filling. You could also try large hollowed-out mushrooms or even halved sweet potatoes that have been pre-baked until tender. Each will offer a slightly different texture and flavor profile to your BBQ chicken zucchini dinner recipe. For a similar vegetable preparation, see our Zucchini Noodle Chicken Alfredo.

Is this a healthy sticky BBQ chicken zucchini meal?

Yes, this recipe is quite healthy! It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and loaded with vitamins from the zucchini. By using a moderate amount of BBQ sauce and cheese, you can keep the calorie and sodium counts reasonable. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic BBQ flavors in a lighter, veggie-forward way, making it a great choice for a healthy sticky BBQ chicken zucchini option.

How do I make the chicken extra sticky for my BBQ chicken zucchini bake?

To achieve that perfect sticky texture for your BBQ chicken zucchini bake, ensure your BBQ sauce is slightly reduced before mixing it with the chicken. You can do this by simmering the sauce gently in a saucepan for a few minutes until it thickens. This concentrates the sugars and creates a richer, stickier glaze that clings beautifully to the chicken and zucchini.

Variations of Sticky BBQ Chicken Zucchini You Can Try

Looking to switch things up with your BBQ chicken zucchini? I’ve got some fantastic ideas! One popular variation is a spicy sticky BBQ chicken zucchini. Simply add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to your chicken and sauce mixture for a delightful kick. For a different cooking method, try grilling! Prepare the chicken and sauce as usual, then mix it with lightly oiled, pre-grilled zucchini halves. Top with cheese and grill covered for a few minutes until melted. This offers a lovely smoky flavor. You can also create a delicious BBQ chicken zucchini casserole by layering the chicken mixture with sliced zucchini in a baking dish and topping with cheese. Experimenting with different BBQ sauces, like a honey-garlic or a sweet chili variety, will also give your chicken zucchini BBQ skillet a whole new personality! For another chicken recipe, check out Teriyaki Chicken Sheet Pan Supper.