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- 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh zucchinis are key for this dish. They hold the filling well and add great taste. Use cooked chicken to save time. You can shred rotisserie chicken for ease. Choose sugar-free marinara sauce to keep it keto-friendly. The cheese adds a creamy texture, so don’t skip it! - Calories per serving: Approximately 350 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Protein: 32g - Fat: 20g - Carbohydrates: 8g - Fiber: 3g This meal is low in carbs, making it perfect for a keto diet. Each serving gives you a good amount of protein, which is great for muscle health. The fiber from zucchinis helps digestion. Enjoy this dish guilt-free! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center. This creates boats for your filling. Save the scooped-out flesh for later. - In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with marinara sauce. Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. - Stir in the reserved zucchini flesh until the mixture is fully combined. This adds flavor and texture to your filling. - Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet with the cut side facing up. Fill each boat evenly with the chicken mixture. - Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of each filled zucchini boat. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Look for melted, bubbly cheese and tender zucchinis. - Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for an extra touch of flavor. How to ensure zucchinis are tender To make sure zucchinis are soft, bake them until they are tender. The best time is about 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F. You want the cheese to melt and bubble, too. If you find that your zucchinis are still hard, you can cook them a bit longer. Just keep an eye on the cheese so it doesn’t burn. Best practices for uniformly filling boats To fill the zucchini boats evenly, use a spoon or a small scoop. Start by placing the chicken mixture in the center of the boat. Then, spread it out to the edges. This way, every bite has the same great taste. If you have leftover filling, you can mix it with some extra marinara and serve it on the side. Ideal side dishes to complement the dish Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats pair well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. You can also serve them with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Both sides will balance the meal nicely. Garnishing tips for presentation For a lovely finish, add fresh basil leaves on top right before serving. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of flavor. This little detail makes the dish look bright and fresh, making it more inviting. Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Select zucchinis that are firm and free of blemishes for the best texture and flavor. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add vegetables or spices to the chicken filling for extra flavor and nutrition. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the zucchini boats while baking; overcooking can make them mushy. Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish to fit your taste. Ground turkey or beef works great. You can also use canned chicken for a quicker option. If you're looking for a plant-based choice, try using shredded jackfruit. It has a nice texture and absorbs flavors well. For those who avoid dairy, there are many cheese substitutes. Look for dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan. These options melt nicely and still give a great taste. You can also use nut-based cheeses for a unique flavor twist. Adding herbs and spices makes this dish even better. Fresh basil or oregano can brighten the flavors. You might also want to try some crushed red pepper for heat. Experimenting with smoked paprika or fresh thyme can add a fun twist. Incorporate more vegetables into the filling for added nutrition. Chopped bell peppers or spinach blend well with the chicken. You can also add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. These veggies not only enhance taste but also make your meal more colorful and appealing. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the zucchini boats fresh. Use glass or plastic containers for easy storage. They help avoid any spills in the fridge. Leftovers can last up to three days. Always let them cool before sealing. This prevents moisture buildup. To freeze, first assemble the zucchini boats but do not bake them. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish. Cover with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. This helps protect against freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, move the boats to the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake them straight from the fridge at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You might want to cover them with foil to keep the cheese from browning too fast. Enjoy your meal even later! Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare the zucchini boats, fill them, and cover with foil. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving. This saves time and makes dinner easier. Great side dishes include a fresh garden salad or steamed broccoli. You can also serve garlic bread made with keto-friendly bread. These sides add color and flavor to your meal. To adjust for more servings, simply double the ingredients. Use more zucchinis and enough chicken to fill all the boats. This way, everyone enjoys a tasty meal without leftovers. Yes, you can use pre-cooked frozen chicken. Just thaw and shred it before mixing. This can save time and makes cooking even easier. No, you do not need to peel the zucchinis. The skin adds texture and nutrients. Plus, it helps hold the shape of the boats while baking. You now know how to make Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats. We covered the best ingredients and how to prepare them. I shared tips to enhance flavor and create variations. You also learned storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. This dish is simple, tasty, and good for you. Grab some zucchinis, and get cooking. Enjoy every bite!

Keto Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

Delicious zucchini boats filled with shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and topped with cheese, perfect for a keto diet.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
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 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 black pepper
  • to taste Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, then scoop out the center with a spoon, creating boats. Reserve the scooped-out flesh and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Add the reserved scooped-out zucchini flesh to the chicken mixture and stir until fully combined.
  • Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet, cut side up, and fill each boat with the chicken mixture evenly.
  • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of each filled zucchini boat.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the zucchinis are tender.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Use sugar-free marinara sauce for a keto-friendly option.
Keyword chicken, keto, low carb, Parmesan, zucchini