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To make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini, gather these items: - 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor) - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen) - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) You can swap ingredients to fit your taste. If you don't have zucchini, try bell peppers. They work well too. For the chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great choice. If you want a vegetarian option, use lentils or chickpeas instead. For the BBQ sauce, any flavor you love will work. You can even mix two flavors for fun! Each serving of BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini offers: - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Fat: 12g - Fiber: 8g This dish is rich in protein and fiber, making it a healthy choice. It also has a good mix of veggies and flavors. Enjoy this tasty meal guilt-free! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the zucchinis evenly. Next, take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Be careful with the knife! Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds gently. This creates a nice hollow space for our filling. Place the zucchinis cut side up on a baking sheet. This way, they can hold the BBQ chicken mixture well. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Choose any BBQ sauce you like. Then add 1 cup of corn kernels and 1 cup of rinsed black beans. These add great flavor and texture. Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste! Mix everything well until the chicken is fully coated with sauce. This step makes the filling tasty and colorful. Now, spoon the BBQ chicken mixture into each zucchini half. Make sure to pack it lightly. This helps it hold together while baking. Next, top each stuffed zucchini with 1 cup of shredded cheese. I prefer cheddar, but you can use any cheese you like. Bake the zucchinis in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are tender. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Once done, take them out and let them cool a bit. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro for a nice touch. Enjoy your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchinis! Pickling zucchini adds a tasty twist to your dish. To pickle zucchini, slice it thinly. Combine equal parts vinegar and water in a pot. Add sugar, salt, and spices like dill or garlic. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Pour this mix over the zucchini slices in a jar. Seal it and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This quick pickling adds a crunchy, tangy flavor to your BBQ chicken stuffed zucchini. Cooking chicken well is key for flavor and safety. Always use cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe. You can boil, bake, or grill the chicken first. Make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. Shredding the chicken helps it mix well with the BBQ sauce. This way, every bite is juicy and full of flavor. Choosing the right BBQ sauce can change your dish. For a sweet taste, try honey BBQ sauce. For a spicy kick, use a chipotle BBQ sauce. You can also mix sauces for a unique flavor. A smoky flavor pairs well with the zucchini. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite blend. Adding a little hot sauce can also give a nice heat. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchinis and high-quality BBQ sauce can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Mix It Up: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist. Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed zucchinis in advance and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake. {{image_2}} You can make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini vegetarian. Use cooked lentils or chickpeas instead of chicken. Both options add protein and fiber. You can also try tofu for a different texture. Just make sure to season it well with BBQ sauce. This keeps the flavor rich and tasty. To boost flavors, add spices or herbs. Try smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Cumin adds warmth and depth. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish. Experiment with your favorites to find the best mix. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors, as they can change the whole dish. Cheese makes everything better! While cheddar is great, you can mix it up. Use Monterey Jack for a creamy texture or pepper jack for a kick. Feta cheese adds a salty touch. Goat cheese can lend a tangy flavor. Feel free to combine different cheeses for a unique taste. To keep your BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the container seals tightly to keep out air. You can also wrap the zucchinis in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. This extra layer helps keep moisture in. Always let the dish cool before storing it. This prevents extra steam from forming inside the container. You can store BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste and texture may change. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember, freezing may change the zucchini's texture once thawed. To reheat your stuffed zucchini, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchinis on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep the moisture. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven works best for keeping the zucchini tender. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! Yes, you can make BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini ahead of time. You can prepare the filling and stuff the zucchinis. Just cover them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to eat, bake them as usual. This saves you time on busy nights! You can serve BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad - Rice or quinoa for extra carbs - Grilled corn on the cob - Garlic bread for a nice crunch These sides will balance the flavors and make a full meal. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Just choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce. Check the labels on your ingredients. Many brands offer tasty options that fit your needs. Using gluten-free options keeps the dish safe for everyone to enjoy! BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini is a fun and tasty dish. We covered the ingredients, how to prepare them, and tips to enhance flavor. You can even customize it with vegetarian options or different cheeses. Proper storage and reheating keep it fresh for later. This meal is flexible, healthy, and sure to please everyone. Enjoy exploring these options in your kitchen!

BBQ Chicken Stuffed Zucchini

Delicious zucchinis filled with BBQ chicken, corn, black beans, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1 cup black beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 to taste salt
  • 1 to taste pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds gently to create a hollow space for the filling. Place them on a baking sheet cut side up.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, corn, black beans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is coated with the BBQ sauce.
  • Spoon the BBQ chicken mixture evenly into each hollowed zucchini half, packing it lightly.
  • Top each stuffed zucchini with shredded cheese.
  • Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the BBQ sauce to your taste.
Keyword BBQ chicken, stuffed vegetables, zucchini