bbq chicken spaghetti squash

Directions :

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Slice your spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. For easy cutting, feel free to stick each squash in the microwave for 4-5 minutes to soften it up just a tad. The knife slides through way easier this way!
3. Next, grab a lipped baking sheet or a rimmed baking dish. Rub the cut side of the squash with a teeny bit of olive oil.
4. Place inside a baking dish or atop rimmed baking sheet and roast face-down for about 40 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
5. Cooking time will vary a bit depending on the size of your squash, and larger squash will need to roast a bit longer to tenderize. Once ready, the once rock-hard exterior of the squash will be visibly softened with a tender interior.
6. The squash can be roasted and stored in the fridge for a few days if you'd like to meal prep and plan ahead for a speedier dinner. While the squash roasts, start on the chicken and veggies.
7. For the chicken, you can cook it any which way you prefer. I added 12 oz of boneless, skinless chicken to my Instant Pot with 1 cup of water and set it to 5 minutes on HIGH with a natural pressure release. If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, you'll want to measure out 2 cups, chopped.
8. Add 1/3 cup of your favorite barbecue sauce to the chicken and mix well. Next, heat a skillet to medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil and sauté your onion and peppers to soften until tender. Add to BBQ chicken.
9. Once squash is roasted, allow to cool until easily handled or pop on an oven mitt and use a fork to separate and fluff the strands of spaghetti squash. Remove about 1/2-3/4 the spaghetti squash strands and toss together with your chicken and veggie mixture and a little bit of your cheese.
10. Stuff back into your squash boat (load 'em up!) and top with the remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for approx. 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Top with an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce, ranch dressing (if desired!) and any extra toppings your heart desires. To round out your meal, serve with a leafy green salad or fresh veggies + dip. Fresh coleslaw would also be an amazing addition! Enjoy!