These tasty Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats are a fun and healthy twist on a classic dish! Filled with juicy chicken, cheese, and zesty marinara, they’re low in carbs and big on flavor.
Honestly, who knew zucchini could be so exciting? I love making these for dinner, and they always disappear fast—everyone wants a second helping! 🥒🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: These are the stars of the dish! They act as a healthy boat for the filling. If you can’t find zucchinis, try using yellow squash as a substitute for a similar flavor and texture.
Ground Chicken: This keeps the dish lean and low in carbs. If you prefer, ground turkey or cooked shredded rotisserie chicken will work well too! Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Marinara Sauce: Look for sugar-free options to stay on track with keto. You can also make homemade marinara using crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs if you have the time.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a lovely melting quality, while Parmesan adds rich flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, try vegan cheeses or look for lactose-free mozzarella.
How Do I Create Perfectly Scooped Zucchini Boats?
Scooping out the zucchinis helps them hold more filling. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a small spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh. Aim for a 1/4 inch base to keep them sturdy.
- Be gentle but firm, as you don’t want to break through the skin. This will hold in all that delicious filling!
- Don’t waste the scooped flesh! Finely chop it and incorporate it into your chicken filling for added flavor and nutrition.
With these tips and insights, your Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats will turn out fantastic! Enjoy makin’ these delicious and satisfying bites.
Easy Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free or low-carb)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Seasoning:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to bake, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for the zucchini boats once they’re prepared.
2. Prepare the Zucchini Boats:
Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to scoop out the centers, creating a little boat—be sure to leave about 1/4 inch of zucchini at the bottom so they hold their shape. Set the hollowed zucchinis aside and finely chop the scooped-out flesh for later use.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Next, add the ground chicken and cook until browned, using a spoon to break it apart, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Flavor:
Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for an additional 3 minutes until the mixture is tender and flavorful.
5. Mix in Marinara:
Add 1/2 cup of marinara sauce to your chicken mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors blend, then remove from heat.
6. Assemble the Boats:
Place your empty zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Spoon the chicken mixture into each zucchini boat, filling them generously.
7. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the filled zucchini boats. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of each boat.
8. Bake:
Put your baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The smell will be amazing!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you’d like, then serve warm and enjoy your delicious keto meal!
These tasty zucchini boats are perfect for those on a keto diet and make a fantastic weeknight dinner!
FAQs for Easy Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Boats?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can use yellow squash or even bell peppers. Just adjust the cooking time as some vegetables may require less or more time to become tender.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Chicken?
You can easily swap the ground chicken for ground turkey or even cooked shredded chicken. Both options will work well with the flavors in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or bake them again at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the zucchini boats in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake when you’re ready to eat—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge!
