These Easy Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats are a fun twist on a classic dish! Tender zucchini holds juicy chicken, flavorful sauce, and melted cheese, making it a real winner.
I love how light and tasty these zucchini boats are. Plus, they make dinner feel fancy without all the fuss—they’re simply irresistible! 🥒🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: This is the star of the dish! Choose medium-sized zucchinis for the best size to hold the filling. If you can’t find zucchini, eggplant or bell peppers can work in a pinch!
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can use any leftover chicken. For a vegetarian version, substitute chickpeas or mushrooms sautéed in olive oil!
Marinara Sauce: Look for a low-carb, no-sugar-added version to keep this dish keto-friendly. If it’s hard to find, make your own with crushed tomatoes and Italian herbs for flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives that gooey stretch while Parmesan adds a tasty salty kick. You can replace mozzarella with provolone or even a dairy-free cheese alternative if needed!
How to Perfectly Hollow Out Zucchini Boats?
Hollowing out zucchini can be tricky, but here’s how to do it effectively:
- First, slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh. A grapefruit spoon works well for this.
- Be gentle! You want to leave enough flesh on the sides to keep the boat’s shape. Aim for about 1/4 inch thickness.
Don’t throw those zucchini scraps away! They can be added to a salad or blended into smoothies for extra nutrients.
Easy Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
For the Sauce and Cheese:
- 1 cup marinara sauce (low-carb, no sugar added)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, making it a perfect quick and healthy dinner option. So, in just about 45 minutes, you’ll be ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for baking those delicious zucchini boats.
2. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly, then slice each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create little “boats.” Place these boats in a baking dish, ready to be filled!
3. Season the Zucchini:
Lightly brush the inside of each zucchini boat with olive oil. Now, sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder to give them a tasty base flavor.
4. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
5. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Take the chicken mixture and spoon it evenly into each zucchini boat. Don’t be shy—fill them up!
6. Top with Cheese:
Now for the cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the top of each filled zucchini boat.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the zucchini to be nice and tender and the cheese to be melted and bubbly, with a golden color. Yum!
8. Finish and Serve:
Once done, carefully remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving it up.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these hot and delight in your healthy, keto-friendly chicken parmesan zucchini boats! They’re packed with flavor and oh so satisfying!
This dish delivers the classic flavors of chicken parmesan in a low-carb, keto-friendly way, perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.
FAQ About Easy Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Zucchini?
Yes! While zucchini is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with eggplant or bell peppers. Just ensure they have enough space to hold the filling without becoming too soft while baking.
How Do I Store Leftover Zucchini Boats?
Store any leftovers 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) until warmed through or heat them in the microwave until hot. They make for a great lunch!
Can I Make These Zucchini Boats Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini by hollowing them out and mixing the filling in advance. Just assemble the boats and store them in the fridge, then bake them when you’re ready to eat. They can be assembled up to a day ahead for convenience.
What Can I Use Instead of Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce, you can use crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a bit of olive oil. Alternatively, a homemade tomato sauce can work as well. Just make sure it aligns with your keto diet!
