Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with flavor and nutrition? Meet the BBQ Chicken Pizza Stuffed Spaghetti Squash—a culinary masterpiece that combines the heartiness of pizza with the wholesome goodness of spaghetti squash! This innovative recipe is perfect for those who crave comfort food without the guilt. With its tender squash strands, savory BBQ chicken, and gooey melted cheese, every bite is a delightful surprise. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a meal that will impress your family and friends, leaving them begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium spaghetti squash
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Scoop out the seeds and discard or save for roasting.
- Drizzle the inside of the squash halves with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the flesh is tender and easily separates into spaghetti-like strands when scraped with a fork.
- While the squash is roasting, prepare the chicken filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, mixing until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Once the squash is cooked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Using a fork, gently scrape the inside of the squash to create spaghetti-like strands.
- Fill each squash half with the BBQ chicken mixture, spreading it evenly across the squash strands.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed squash half.
- Return the stuffed squash to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped green onions.
- Let the stuffed squash cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice each half in half again for easier serving.
- Serve hot and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Pizza Stuffed Spaghetti Squash!
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: When selecting a spaghetti squash, look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a firm, smooth skin without blemishes.
- Speed Up Cooking: If you're short on time, you can microwave the spaghetti squash for about 10-12 minutes instead of roasting it in the oven. Just be sure to poke holes in it first to allow steam to escape!
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative with the BBQ chicken filling! Add in some diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of your favorite herbs for an extra kick.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: For a cheesier experience, mix different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda with the mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
- Presentation Matters: For an impressive presentation, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley in addition to the green onions before serving.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the spaghetti squash and chicken filling in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They make for a quick and delicious lunch the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
