BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Delight

$To make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini, you need: - 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup savory BBQ sauce - 1 cup sweet corn kernels - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped These ingredients come together for a tasty dish. The zucchinis serve as the perfect base for the filling. The chicken and BBQ sauce create a rich and tangy flavor. Corn and black beans add texture and nutrition. Finally, cheese brings a nice creaminess to every bite. You can make this dish your own! Here are some optional ingredients: - Diced bell peppers for crunch - Jalapeños for a spicy kick - Different cheese types like mozzarella or pepper jack - Avocado slices for creaminess - Sliced green onions for a fresh touch These options let you tailor the recipe to your taste. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect stuffed zucchini! Choosing the right BBQ sauce can enhance your dish. Here are some brands I recommend: - Sweet Baby Ray's for a classic taste - Stubb's for a smoky flavor - Trader Joe's BBQ Sauce for a unique twist - Kansas City BBQ Sauce for a sweeter option Each brand offers a different flavor profile. Pick one that you enjoy, and your stuffed zucchinis will taste amazing! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help cook the zucchini just right. Next, take the zucchinis and slice them in half from top to bottom. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Make a nice space for the filling. Place the zucchini halves cut side up on a non-stick baking sheet. In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Add in the sweet corn and rinsed black beans. For flavor, mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is coated in that tasty BBQ sauce. This filling is where the magic happens! Now it’s time to fill the zucchini. Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each hollowed zucchini half. Pack it lightly for a perfect fit. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of each one. This cheese will melt and create a delicious crust. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the zucchinis are soft and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, let them cool for a bit before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color. Enjoy your flavor-packed BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini! Choose a BBQ sauce that you love. Sweet, spicy, or tangy sauces work well. I enjoy a blend of sweet and smoky for a rich flavor. Always taste the sauce before mixing it in. Adjust the sauce with spices if you want more heat or sweetness. Mixing sauces can create a unique taste just for you. For the best cheese melt, use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent melting well. Cheddar is a great choice, but try mozzarella or a blend for variety. Spread the cheese evenly to cover all the filling. This helps it melt uniformly, creating a delicious, gooey top. You’ll need a few simple tools for this recipe. A sharp knife helps cut the zucchini smoothly. A spoon is perfect for scooping out the seeds. Use a large mixing bowl for combining your filling. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper makes cleanup easy. Lastly, an oven mitt will keep you safe when handling hot dishes. Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Select medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and have a vibrant green color for the best texture and flavor. Experiment with BBQ Sauces: Don’t hesitate to try different BBQ sauces, such as spicy, smoky, or even fruity variations, to elevate the flavor profile of your dish. Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed zucchinis ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for a quick and easy meal. Customize Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for additional texture and heat, making the dish your own. {{image_4}} If you want a veggie twist, skip the chicken. Use a mix of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions instead. This gives you a hearty filling while keeping it plant-based. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for added protein. Both options bring great taste and texture. You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try shredded pork or ground turkey for a new flavor. Tofu crumbles also work well if you want a vegan option. Just make sure to add your favorite BBQ sauce to keep it tasty. It’s all about finding what you love! To make your dish even better, consider adding spices. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a nice kick. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for heat or fresh herbs like basil for freshness. Don’t forget about toppings! A sprinkle of green onions or a dollop of sour cream can add extra flavor. Experiment with what you have on hand and enjoy! Store any leftover BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking in between. To freeze, wrap each stuffed zucchini tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. Choose zucchinis that are firm and smooth. Look for ones that are bright green. Avoid zucchinis with soft spots or blemishes. Smaller zucchinis often taste sweeter and are more tender. Aim for medium-sized zucchinis for this recipe, as they hold the filling well. Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for this dish. It saves time and adds flavor. Just shred the chicken before mixing it with the BBQ sauce. This option makes the recipe even quicker, perfect for busy days. Serve your stuffed zucchini with a fresh salad for a light meal. Cornbread pairs well too, adding a nice touch of sweetness. You could also serve roasted vegetables for added flavor and texture. Try a simple coleslaw to bring in some crunch. These sides complement the savory stuffed zucchini perfectly! This blog post covered everything you need for BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini. We explored key ingredients, outlined step-by-step instructions, and shared helpful tips. You learned about variations, storage, and common questions. Enjoy making this dish, and feel free to experiment with flavors and sides. This recipe offers a tasty way to combine health and flavor, making dinner fun. Dive in and savor each bite!$

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Delight

A delicious and hearty dish featuring zucchini halves stuffed with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and topped with melted cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup savory BBQ sauce
1 cup sweet corn kernels
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup shredded cheese
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
as needed fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
Carefully slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds, creating a cozy cavity for your savory filling. Arrange the zucchini halves, cut side up, on a non-stick baking sheet.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and your chosen BBQ sauce. Add the corn, black beans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture until every ingredient is well-coated in the tangy BBQ sauce.
Generously spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each hollowed zucchini half, packing it lightly to ensure they are filled perfectly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of each filled zucchini, allowing the cheese to melt delightfully during baking.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the zucchinis from the oven and let them cool slightly for easier handling before serving.
Just before serving, garnish each stuffed zucchini with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro for a touch of color and flavor enhancement.

Notes

Serve with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top for added flavor.

Keyword BBQ, chicken, healthy, stuffed, zucchini