The winter can be a tricky time to eat healthy. Coming off the holidays, I know my body wants things that will actually fuel it, but I’m still craving all the cold-weather comfort foods. This dish is a fantastic compromise.

These spaghetti squash boats are warm and comforting like a casserole, but chock full of veggies and lean meat instead.
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Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 lb. boneless chicken tenders
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onions, sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup orange peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, optional – for garnish
If you’re looking for healthy barbecue sauce to use, the one in this post is a great option to use!

Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the olive over and place on the baking sheet cut-side down. Roast for about 40 minutes, until soft.
- Meanwhile, add the chicken and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce to a saute pan. Cook on medium until the chicken is cooked through, then shred. (I put it in my stand mixer and beat for a minute on medium to shred quickly!
- When the squash is cooked, remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, scrap down the sides lightly to loosen the flesh. Add 1/4 cup cheese to each half, then divide chicken between the two boats. Top with red onions, orange peppers, and additional BBQ sauce.
- Return the squash boats to the oven for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Top with cilantro before serving.
These come together fairly quickly and have a great flavor. It’s definitely a dish that’s healthy without feeling like you’re being deprived – which is always a good thing. They also reheat well, so I suggest doubling the recipe and using it as a make-ahead lunch!
Healthy Recipes
Want some more healthy inspiration? I’m linking up with other From Our Dinner Table bloggers today to bring you lots of options!
- Balsamic Chicken Fettucine by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Barbecue Chicken Spaghetti Squash Boats by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Beef Black Rice Casserole by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower by Palatable Pastime
- Healthier Chicken Paprikash by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Lightened Up Green Goddess Dip by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Moroccan Pad Thai by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Thai Chicken Salads by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Turkey Burrito Bowls by Sweet Beginnings
Recipe

Barbecue Chicken Spaghetti Squash
These spaghetti squash boats are warm and comforting like a casserole, but chock full of veggies and lean meat instead.
Ingredients
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/2 lb. boneless chicken tenders
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup red onions, sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup orange peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, optional – for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the olive over and place on the baking sheet cut-side down. Roast for about 40 minutes, until soft.
- Meanwhile, add the chicken and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce to a saute pan. Cook on medium until the chicken is cooked through, then shred. (I put it in my stand mixer and beat for a minute on medium to shred quickly!
- When the squash is cooked, remove from the oven. When cool enough to handle, scrap down the sides lightly to loosen the flesh. Add 1/4 cup cheese to each half, then divide chicken between the two boats. Top with red onions, orange peppers, and additional BBQ sauce.
- Return the squash boats to the oven for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Top with cilantro before serving.
Notes
If you’re trying for healthy, this barbecue sauce is a great option.

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I love spaghetti squash. What a cool idea to jazz it up!
These are so colorful and delicious sounding. I need to remember to make spaghetti squash!
This looks great and I love that the bbq sauce recipe has maple syrup in it!
These look SO GOOD! All those flavors and colors and textures. Yum!
I LOVE spaghetti squash bowls, and this one sounds so delicious!
I just happen to have a spaghetti squash on my counter. YAY
I’ve got a spaghetti squash downstairs and this looks like a great idea for it!
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