Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

$For this Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats recipe, you need the following ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free) - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients create a tasty and healthy dish. Zucchini serves as the perfect low-carb base. The shredded chicken adds protein, while the cheeses bring flavor and texture. Finding sugar-free marinara sauce is easy. Many grocery stores offer it. Look for sauces labeled "no added sugar" or "sugar-free." Read the labels carefully. Some brands sneak in sugar under different names. If you prefer, you can also make your own. Blend tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a fresh, homemade sauce. If you want to switch things up, there are plenty of cheese options. You can use provolone or gouda for a different flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese made from nuts or soy. Just ensure it melts well. This way, you can still enjoy those cheesy goodness without straying from your keto plan. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take four medium zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out some flesh from each half. Make sure not to cut all the way through. This creates a little boat for your filling. Set the prepared zucchinis aside while you make the chicken mixture. In a skillet, pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium. Add two minced garlic cloves and sauté for about one minute. You want it to smell amazing! Next, stir in two cups of shredded cooked chicken, one cup of sugar-free marinara sauce, one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat this mixture for about three to five minutes until warm. Now it’s time to fill the zucchini boats. Spoon the chicken mixture into each hollowed zucchini half, packing it tightly. Top each one with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the zucchinis to be tender and the cheese to be melted and bubbly. For a golden topping, broil for an extra two to three minutes. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your tasty meal! To make great zucchini boats, choose medium zucchinis. They hold the filling well and cook evenly. Slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out some flesh. Leave enough to keep them sturdy. This helps avoid sogginess. Always preheat your oven to get the best melt on the cheese. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Sauté it in olive oil until fragrant. This step adds a rich flavor to the chicken mixture. Add Italian seasoning for a touch of herbiness. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. For extra depth, mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives. Each zucchini boat can be a perfect serving. Pack them tightly with the chicken mixture to fill them up. This helps you feel full without extra carbs. Pair the dish with a side salad to balance your meal. This way, you enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal while sticking to your keto goals. Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Look for firm zucchinis without soft spots to ensure they hold their shape during baking. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the chicken mixture for added flavor and nutrition. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile of the dish; add them just before serving for freshness. Adjust Cheese Levels: If you're a cheese lover, don’t hesitate to sprinkle more mozzarella or Parmesan on top before baking for extra gooeyness! {{image_2}} You can change up the filling to suit your taste. Instead of chicken, try ground turkey or beef. Both options work great and add different flavors. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick meal. If you want a bold taste, use spicy sausage. Just cook it well before adding it to the zucchinis. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes to the chicken mix. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also mix in some hot sauce with the marinara. For an extra kick, try jalapeños. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the chicken. For a veggie version, swap the chicken for mushrooms or lentils. You can sauté mushrooms until soft and add them to the mix. Cooked lentils are also a tasty choice. They add protein and are very filling. Top the zucchini with cheese for a nice finish. This way, everyone can enjoy this meal! To store leftovers, let the zucchini boats cool down. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps preserve their taste and texture. When you reheat the zucchini boats, use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the boats on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 15 minutes. This method makes sure the cheese stays melty and the zucchini soft. If you want to freeze the zucchini boats, wrap them well in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. To cook from frozen, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes. This method keeps the flavor intact and makes for a quick meal later. Yes, you can! Other veggies work well too. Try bell peppers, eggplant, or even spaghetti squash. Each option brings a unique flavor. Just make sure they can hold the filling. Cut them the same way, and scoop out some flesh. This keeps the filling intact. Absolutely! Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats are great for meal prep. Make a batch ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. They last for about three to four days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave when ready to eat. This dish is low in carbs and high in protein. Each serving has about 350 calories. It contains around 20 grams of protein and 5 grams of net carbs. The fats come mainly from cheese and olive oil, making it a filling meal. Check the exact values based on your ingredients for accuracy. This post shared a simple way to make Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats. We covered the best ingredients, how to prepare them, and essential tips. You learned how to store leftovers and found answers to common questions. Embrace these methods to enjoy a tasty, low-carb meal. Explore different proteins and flavors for variety. With a little practice, you’ll master this dish and impress others in your kitchen!$

Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese, perfect for a low-carb meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the flesh to create boats. Be careful not to go all the way through.
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through, about 3–5 minutes.
Take each zucchini half and spoon the chicken mixture into the hollowed-out center, packing it tightly.
Top each filled zucchini with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden cheese topping.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if using.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, keto, low carb, parmesan, zucchini