Ground Chicken and Zucchini Boats Recipe: Your Next Low-Carb Obsession
These Ground Chicken and Zucchini Boats are the perfect low-carb dinner solution, combining tender zucchini and savory ground chicken into a delicious, high-protein meal. With easy-to-follow steps and endless customization options, this recipe is both family-friendly and diet-friendly. Try it today and make healthy eating flavorful and fun!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can diced tomatoes drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the flesh. Pre-bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground chicken and brown. Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill zucchini boats: Stuff pre-baked zucchini with the chicken mixture. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Nutritional Info per Serving:
- Calories: 310
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
Notes
Recipe Tips:
- Pre-Cook the Zucchini: Pre-baking the zucchini boats for 10 minutes softens them slightly, ensuring they cook evenly without becoming too mushy. Don’t skip this step for the perfect texture!
- Drain the Tomatoes: Make sure to fully drain the diced tomatoes to prevent the filling from becoming too watery. This helps the zucchini boats hold their shape and prevents sogginess.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella and Parmesan create a classic flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack for a twist.
- Herb Variations: Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be used instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor. Just double the amount if using fresh.
- Meal Prep: This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the ground chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the zucchini boats just before baking.
- Custom Fillings: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for an added nutritional boost and more complex flavor.
- Make It Spicy: For those who like a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for some heat.
- Zucchini Size: If your zucchinis are large, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Conversely, for smaller zucchinis, check for doneness a few minutes earlier.