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To make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats, you need: - 4 medium zucchini - 1 lb ground chicken - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil These main ingredients create a hearty and satisfying dish. The zucchini serves as a healthy base. Ground chicken adds great flavor and protein. For taste, use these seasonings: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste These seasonings boost the flavor of the chicken and sauce. The red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat. Pair your zucchini boats with these sides: - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed vegetables These sides balance the meal well. They add freshness and crunch to your plate. Enjoy your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats with these tasty options! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, take the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the inner flesh. Leave about 1/4 inch of the shell for support. Set the scooped-out zucchini flesh aside for later. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 pound of ground chicken. Cook until it turns brown, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Use a spoon to break up the chicken as it cooks. Then, stir in the reserved zucchini flesh, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook this mixture for 3-4 minutes until it's well combined and heated. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the grated Parmesan cheese. This will make the mixture creamy. Place the hollowed zucchini halves in a baking dish. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat. Finally, top each boat with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Now, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step allows the cheese to get bubbly and golden. When done, the zucchini should be tender. Let the boats cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats! To cook zucchini well, start with medium-sized ones. They hold their shape better. Cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides gently, leaving a sturdy shell. This helps them bake evenly. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the zucchini for 20 minutes covered, then 10 more minutes uncovered. This method keeps them tender. For great cheese, choose fresh mozzarella. It melts better than pre-shredded types. Mix half of the cheese into the chicken mixture before baking. This ensures it melts fully. Top the stuffed zucchini with the rest of the cheese. Cover with foil when baking to prevent burning. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes. This gives your cheese that golden, bubbly look. One mistake is overcooking the zucchini. This can make them mushy. Always check for tenderness with a fork. Another error is not seasoning enough. Salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Lastly, don't skip the fresh basil as a garnish. It adds color and fresh taste. Following these tips helps you create perfect chicken parmesan stuffed zucchini boats every time. Pro Tips Choose the Right Zucchini: Opt for medium-sized zucchinis for the best balance between tender flesh and sturdy structure. Larger zucchinis may have more seeds and a mushier texture. Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the chicken mixture. Sauté them along with the chicken for extra depth. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese! Try adding provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella and Parmesan combination. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffed zucchini boats ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you're ready to serve for a quick meal! {{image_2}} You can use different meats in your zucchini boats. Ground turkey or beef works well. These options add their own flavor and texture. Just cook them the same way as the chicken. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep. It gives a nice, tender bite to the dish. If you want a vegetarian meal, swap the chicken with mushrooms or lentils. Chopped mushrooms add a savory taste. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber. Cook these options in the same way as the chicken. Mix in your favorite veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers or spinach are great choices. Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, you can try others. Fontina or provolone add a unique twist. These cheeses melt well and enhance the taste. For a tangy kick, use goat cheese. You can also mix different cheeses for more depth. Just remember to keep the cheese melty and gooey! After your meal, let the zucchini boats cool down. Place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to keep the chicken and zucchini together. This way, the flavors stay nice. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Allow the boats to cool completely. Wrap each boat in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This helps keep the taste fresh. You can freeze them for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the zucchini. Cover and store them in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you cook them. You can use ground turkey or lean beef if you want. Both options work well in this recipe. If you prefer a meat-free dish, try using cooked lentils or mushrooms. They offer a great texture and flavor too. You know the zucchini is done when it is tender. A fork should easily pierce the skin. The cheese on top should also be bubbly and golden. This usually takes about 30 minutes total in the oven. Yes, you can use other sauces. Try pesto for a fresh twist. Alfredo sauce can add a creamy touch. You can even use a spicy sauce if you like heat. Just make sure it pairs well with the flavors of the dish. In this post, we explored the tasty Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats. We covered key ingredients, seasonings, and side dishes. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and bake these boats. You learned helpful tips for perfect cooking and ways to customize your dish. We also discussed how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun and creative. Enjoy making these delicious boats your way!

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with ground chicken, marinara sauce, and cheese, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the inner flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of the shell for support. Set aside the scooped-out zucchini flesh.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  • Stir in the scooped zucchini flesh, marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  • Remove from heat and stir in half of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
  • Place the hollowed zucchini halves in a baking dish. Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat. Top each boat with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once cooked, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Keyword chicken, Parmesan, stuffed, zucchini