Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

Transform zucchini into irresistible chicken parmesan boats – a low-carb twist on the Italian-American classic!

Quick Answer: Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats combine hollowed zucchini halves filled with seasoned ground chicken, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the zucchini is tender and cheese is golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American Fusion

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect blend of Italian flavors with melty cheese and savory marinara
Easy 45-minute meal with simple cleanup
Great for meal prep and reheating
Low-carb alternative to traditional chicken parmesan
Kid-friendly way to enjoy vegetables

Quick Benefits

Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats offer a healthier spin on the classic dish while maintaining all the flavors you love. They’re perfect for low-carb diets, meal prep, and sneaking extra vegetables into your family’s diet.

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
3 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped
2 cups marinara or pasta sauce (no sugar added)
3 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Garlic powder to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center to create boats. Lightly salt and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until browned.
Add marinara sauce to the pan and simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Arrange zucchini boats in a baking dish. Fill each with the chicken mixture.
Top generously with mozzarella and sprinkle with parmesan.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Broil for 2–3 minutes for a crispier top.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, serve warm, and enjoy!

You Must Know

Don’t scoop zucchini too thin or it may collapse during baking
Pat zucchini dry after scooping to prevent excess moisture
Let ground chicken drain if very wet after cooking
Use a broiler-safe pan for extra cheese browning
Check zucchini tenderness with a fork before serving

Serving Suggestions

Garden salad with Italian dressing
Garlic bread for non-low-carb diners
Roasted cherry tomatoes
Steamed broccoli
Glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon

Creative Variations

Use turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground chicken
Add sautéed mushrooms and onions to the filling
Make it spicy with hot Italian sausage and red pepper flakes
Try different cheese combinations like provolone or fontina

Cultural Notes

This recipe combines traditional Italian-American chicken parmesan with modern low-carb trends. While not authentically Italian, it represents the evolution of Italian-American cuisine and the creative ways home cooks adapt classic recipes for contemporary dietary preferences.

Pro Tips

Choose straight, uniformly-sized zucchini for even cooking
Save scooped zucchini flesh for soups or sauces
Shred cheese fresh for best melting
Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats?
A: Yes, freeze unbaked boats for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Q: How do I prevent watery zucchini boats?
A: Salt zucchini shells and let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry before filling.

Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
A: Yes, dice cooked chicken breast finely before mixing with sauce.

Q: What’s the best way to scoop out zucchini?
A: Use a small spoon or melon baller for clean scooping.

Q: Are these keto-friendly?
A: Yes, just ensure your marinara sauce has no added sugar.

Health Benefits

These Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats provide lean protein from chicken while zucchini offers vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. This low-carb alternative reduces calories while maintaining satisfying portions and essential nutrients.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 325 • Carbs: 8g • Protein: 35g • Fat: 18g • Sodium: 680mg

Notes

Leftover boats will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.