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- 4 medium zucchini - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Zucchini serves as a great base for this dish. Ground chicken adds protein and flavor. Marinara sauce gives a rich, tangy taste. Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, making the dish gooey and satisfying. You can add grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish. Red pepper flakes can spice things up if you like heat. For seasoning, dried oregano and garlic powder bring a nice aroma. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken while adding flavor. Salt and pepper balance the dish. With these ingredients, you're ready to create a delicious meal that your family will love. Enjoy the process and don’t hesitate to make it your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps cook the dish evenly. It ensures the cheese melts perfectly. Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Leave about 1/4 inch of the shell. This keeps your zucchini sturdy. Save the scooped-out flesh for later. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Break it apart with a spoon until it’s brown and no longer pink. Add the reserved zucchini flesh, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. If you want a kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes. Make sure everything is hot and mixed. Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and spreads evenly throughout the chicken. Place the hollowed zucchini halves in a baking dish. Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into each boat. Press it down gently to pack it in. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese for a tasty finish. Cover the baking dish with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This step allows the zucchini to soften and the cheese to bubble. Once done, take the zucchini boats out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. This adds color and a fresh aroma. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats warm! How to choose the best zucchini: Look for medium-sized zucchini. They should feel firm and smooth. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh zucchini will give the best flavor and texture. Preventing sogginess: To prevent soggy zucchini, scoop out the flesh carefully. Leave about 1/4 inch of the shell. This keeps the boat sturdy. You can also salt the zucchini shells lightly. Let them sit for a few minutes. This draws out extra moisture. Additional seasonings to consider: You can add more flavor with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A pinch of Italian seasoning can also add depth. For a bolder taste, consider some smoked paprika. Complementary ingredients: Try adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling. These add texture and flavor. You can also mix in some chopped spinach for a healthy boost. Alternative cooking methods (grilling, air frying): Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. You can place the zucchini boats on a grill, covered, until tender. For air frying, cook them at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes. Both methods will give you a tasty result! Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Choose firm, fresh zucchini for the best flavor and texture. Look for zucchinis that are small to medium-sized, as larger ones may have tougher skin and more seeds. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients such as chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the classic chicken parmesan flavor. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the zucchini while baking; overcooking can lead to mushy boats. They should be tender yet retain their shape. {{image_4}} You can easily switch the ground chicken for turkey. Ground turkey has less fat and works well here. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and flavor. Just mash them and mix them with the other ingredients. If you want to change the cheese, try using provolone or gouda. Both melt nicely and offer different flavors. You can also use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it melts well to get that cheesy goodness. For extra flavor, consider adding pesto on top. It gives a fresh, herby taste. You can also sprinkle olives or sun-dried tomatoes. These toppings add a nice contrast and depth to your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors that you love! To store your Chicken Parmesan stuffed zucchini boats, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each stuffed zucchini boat in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For the best taste and texture, reheat your zucchini boats in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boats on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you like extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last five minutes. This helps the cheese get bubbly and golden again. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! Making Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats takes about 45 minutes total. You will need 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. This time allows for perfect flavor and texture. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the stuffed zucchini boats, then cover and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, just bake them straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy days! These stuffed zucchini boats pair well with a fresh side salad. You could also serve them with garlic bread for a classic touch. Another great option is steamed veggies, which add color and nutrition. Yes, you can use other vegetables! Bell peppers and eggplants work well as alternatives. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed, since different veggies have different textures. To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free marinara sauce. Check the labels on your cheese too. Most cheese is gluten-free, but it’s good to double-check. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy topping. In this article, I shared how to make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, and seasoning tips. The step-by-step guide showed you how to prepare and cook the dish, along with helpful tips and variations. These boats are tasty and fun to make. Enjoy your cooking! Try new flavors and techniques to make this dish your own. With these tips, you can create a healthy meal that everyone will love. Happy cooking!

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Discover the deliciousness of Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats, a perfect blend of flavors in this healthy stuffed zucchini recipe. Packed with ground chicken, marinara, and melted cheese, these low-carb Chicken Parmesan options are ideal for a nutritious meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish makes healthy zucchini dishes exciting. Try this ground chicken recipe today! Save this for your next cooking adventure! #ZucchiniBoats #HealthyRecipes #GroundChicken #LowCarbMeals
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchini

1 lb ground chicken

1 cup marinara sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.

    Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the inner flesh using a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of the zucchini shell to form a sturdy boat. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for later use.

      Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground chicken. Cook it for approximately 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink.

        Mix in the Ingredients: Add the reserved zucchini flesh, marinara sauce, dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined and heated through.

          Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese along with all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses are melted and evenly distributed throughout the chicken mixture.

            Stuff the Zucchini: Arrange the hollowed zucchini halves in a baking dish. Evenly spoon the chicken and cheese mixture into each zucchini boat, pressing down slightly to pack it in. Top each stuffed zucchini with the remaining mozzarella cheese for a delicious topping.

              Bake the Boats: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This will allow the zucchini to become tender and the cheese to bubble and turn a lovely golden color.

                Serve with Flair: Once baking is complete, carefully take the zucchini boats out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a pop of color and aroma.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Serving Suggestion: Serve these succulent stuffed zucchini boats warm, either as a main dish or paired with a side salad for a delightful meal.