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- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 pound ground chicken - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Start by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure the zucchinis are firm and fresh. Look for ones that are medium-sized to hold the filling well. When choosing ground chicken, pick a lean option for better health. Mince your garlic finely so it mixes well into the filling. Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping that adds texture. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, helping with digestion. Ground chicken gives you lean protein, vital for muscle health. Marinara sauce offers vitamins from tomatoes, boosting your immune system. Mozzarella cheese provides calcium, which is great for bones. Parmesan cheese adds flavor and also contains protein. Breadcrumbs add crunch, and fresh basil is rich in antioxidants. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that is both tasty and healthy. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your dish cooks evenly. Next, take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh. Leave about 1/4 inch of zucchini to keep the boat shape. Set the scooped flesh aside for later use. This step is key for making perfect zucchini boats. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and break it into small pieces. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully browned. After that, stir in the minced garlic and reserved zucchini flesh. Sauté everything for another 2-3 minutes. This will make the mixture fragrant and soft. Then, pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This blending of flavors is what makes the filling so tasty. Once done, take it off the heat and mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese. Now, it’s time to stuff the zucchini boats. Take the chicken mixture and fill each zucchini half generously. Press down slightly to pack it in. After you fill them, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs on top. This creates a nice cheesy crust when baked. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish, fitting them snugly. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This softens the zucchini nicely. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Look for the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a bit. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a colorful touch. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats! To get the best stuffed zucchini, keep these tips in mind: - Choose Fresh Zucchini: Look for firm, medium-sized zucchinis. They hold their shape well. - Scoop Carefully: When you scoop out the flesh, leave enough zucchini. This keeps them sturdy. - Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Make sure the ground chicken is fully browned. This adds flavor and texture. - Mix in Cheese: Fold in half of the cheese into the filling. This makes it creamy and delicious. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them: - Overstuffing: Don’t cram too much filling into the boats. They can split apart. - Skipping the Simmer: Let the filling simmer. This helps meld the flavors together. - Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking. - Ignoring the Basil: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil. It adds a lovely touch! To make your dish shine, consider these ideas: - Use a Platter: Arrange the zucchini boats neatly on a large platter. - Add Extra Marinara: Drizzle some marinara sauce around the edges for color. - Fresh Basil: Place basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor. - Pair with a Salad: A light salad makes a great side dish to balance the meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Choose firm, fresh zucchinis for the best texture and flavor in your boats. Look for ones that are vibrant in color and free of blemishes. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to the chicken filling for added flavor and nutrition. Chopped bell peppers or spinach work great! Make Ahead: Prepare the stuffed zucchini boats in advance and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for an easy meal prep solution. Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese blends like provolone or gouda for a unique flavor twist. Mixing cheeses can elevate the dish even further! {{image_4}} If you want a meatless dish, use lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and flavor. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. Spinach and ricotta cheese create a creamy filling. Just replace the ground chicken with your chosen option. Add marinara and cheese for that classic taste. You can play with different meats too. Ground turkey works well for a lighter dish. Beef or pork can add richness. For a spicy kick, try chorizo or Italian sausage. Just cook any meat fully before mixing it with the sauce. This way, the flavors blend nicely. Get creative with toppings to enhance your dish. Try adding sliced olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano brighten the dish. For extra crunch, consider crushed red pepper flakes or more breadcrumbs. A drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving adds a gourmet touch. After your chicken Parmesan stuffed zucchini boats cool down, you can store them. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover them well to keep them from drying out. If you have extra marinara sauce, store it separately to keep the zucchini boats from getting soggy. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed zucchini boats in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat them for about 15 minutes or until they're warm throughout. You can also microwave them for a quicker option. Just heat them in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes. Check to ensure they are hot but not overcooked. If you want to freeze your stuffed zucchini boats, do it before baking them. Stuff the zucchini and place them in a freezer-safe container. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you want to cook them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, bake them as you normally would. This way, you can have a delicious meal ready to go anytime! Yes, you can use other vegetables. Bell peppers, eggplant, and yellow squash work well. Each option adds its unique taste and texture. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the vegetable you choose. For example, bell peppers may need less time in the oven. Use what you enjoy! To keep zucchini firm, follow a few steps. First, scoop out the flesh gently, leaving enough flesh to hold shape. After cutting, sprinkle salt inside the zucchini halves. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before stuffing. This keeps the zucchini crisp and tasty. Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also stuff the zucchini boats and cover them. Freeze them for up to three months. Bake them straight from the freezer, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes meal prep easy and fun! Stuffed zucchini boats are a tasty and healthy dish. We explored the best ingredients, preparation notes, and their nutritional benefits. You learned step-by-step instructions for prepping and cooking the chicken. We shared tips for perfect results and common mistakes to avoid. Consider variations for different diets and storage tips for leftovers. With these insights, you can create great meals. Enjoy your cooking and impress your family with stuffed zucchini boats!

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with ground chicken, marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for baking.
  • Take each zucchini and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seeds and flesh, leaving about 1/4 inch of zucchini to maintain the boat shape. Reserve the scooped-out flesh for later use.
  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground chicken. Cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until it’s fully browned.
  • Once the chicken is browned, add the minced garlic and the reserved zucchini flesh to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is soft and aromatic.
  • Incorporate the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
  • After simmering, remove the skillet from the heat and fold in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese along with all of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  • Generously stuff each zucchini boat with the chicken and sauce mixture, pressing down slightly to fill them well.
  • Evenly distribute the remaining mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs over the top of each stuffed zucchini to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
  • Carefully place the stuffed zucchini boats in a baking dish, ensuring they are snugly fit. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to soften the zucchini.
  • After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and turns a delightful golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the zucchini boats to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with vibrant fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with extra marinara sauce and fresh basil for garnish.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Parmesan, stuffed, zucchini