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In the realm of healthy eating, zucchini boats have carved out a niche as an innovative and nutritious dish. These hollowed-out zucchinis serve as the perfect vessel for a variety of fillings, making them not only visually appealing but also a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. One standout recipe that exemplifies this concept is the Zesty Zucchini Chicken Caesar Boats. This dish takes the classic flavors of a Caesar salad and transforms them into a delightful, low-carb meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack.

Zucchini Chicken Caesar Boats

Discover a fresh and healthy twist on a classic favorite with Zesty Zucchini Chicken Caesar Boats. These delicious boats feature hollowed-out zucchinis filled with seasoned chicken, crunchy romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, making for a satisfying low-carb meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or snacks, they're customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Bursting with flavor and nutrition, these zucchini boats are sure to impress everyone around the table.

Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 cup romaine lettuce, finely chopped

1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup croutons (optional, for garnish)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a perfectly baked finish.

    Prepare the Zucchini: Take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the center of each half to create boat shapes, making sure to leave enough flesh around the edges for support. Set the prepared zucchini halves aside on a baking sheet.

      Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. While the oil is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring they are evenly coated. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.

        Assemble the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss the mixture gently until all ingredients are well coated and combined.

          Stuff the Zucchini Boats: Carefully fill each zucchini half with the chicken mixture, generously spooning it in to ensure a hearty and satisfying filling.

            Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the stuffed zucchini boats for added richness and flavor. If desired, scatter croutons on top to introduce a delightful crunchiness.

              Bake: Transfer the baking sheet with the stuffed zucchini boats into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the tops develop a lovely golden brown color.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish each boat with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the zucchini boats on a platter, with a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing on the side for dipping. For an added touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan and parsley over the top just before serving.