This Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boat is a tasty twist on a classic. Juicy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all stuffed inside tender zucchini! Yum!
These boats are not just delicious; they’re also low-carb! I love serving them with a simple side salad. Trust me, it makes dinner feel special without the fuss! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Choose medium to large zucchini for better stuffing. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use bell peppers or eggplant as alternatives.
Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey. For vegetarian options, try using mushrooms or a mix of chopped vegetables.
Marinara Sauce: Look for sugar-free marinara for a keto-friendly choice. You can substitute with homemade tomato sauce or pesto if you prefer! Adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds gooeyness, while Parmesan gives a nice bite. If you’re dairy-free, consider using vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Boats Don’t Get Soggy?
Getting your zucchini boats just right can be tricky. To prevent sogginess, follow these steps:
- After scooping, lightly salt the insides and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out excess moisture.
- Pat them dry with paper towels before filling them. Keeping them dry helps maintain their texture during baking.
- Don’t overfill them. Leaving some space on top helps everything cook evenly.
With these tips, you’ll get perfectly cooked zucchini boats every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchini
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free or low-carb)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready when you put your zucchini boats in!
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchini well and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh using a spoon to create boat shapes—leave about a 1/4-inch thick shell. Remember to keep the scooped-out zucchini flesh for later!
3. Season the Zucchini Boats:
Brush the insides of the zucchini boats with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet to prepare for filling.
4. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken with marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and adjust with salt and pepper. Now finely chop the reserved zucchini flesh and stir it into the mixture.
5. Fill the Boats:
Spoon the chicken and sauce mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, packing it in a bit to hold everything together.
6. Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously on top of the filled zucchini boats. This will create a delicious cheesy topping!
7. Bake:
Bake the zucchini boats in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Optional Broil for Extra Crisp:
If you like a crispy cheese crust, you can broil the boats for an additional 1-2 minutes—just keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove the zucchini boats from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Enjoy your flavorful, low-carb Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats! They make for a satisfying and healthy meal that everyone will love!
FAQ for Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey, ground beef, or even shredded pork. For a vegetarian version, try using beans or lentils mixed with vegetables!
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, skip the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Instead, you can use dairy-free cheese substitutes, nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or simply top with extra herbs for flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Prep These Zucchini Boats in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the zucchini boats a day in advance. Prepare the filling, stuff the zucchini, and cover tightly. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge, let it come to room temperature, and bake as per the recipe!
