Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
It’s that time of year when everyone’s gardens are exploding with zucchini. Except mine because I don’t have a garden. But the zucchini are inexpensive and plentiful at the grocery store. Rather than making traditional enchiladas, I put a spin on things by hollowing out zucchini and piling them sky high with toppings rather than using enchilada wraps or taco shells. You won’t miss the carbs in these healthy enchiladas that are ready in 30 minutes and exploding with flavor. My family gave them a ten out of ten and asked when I’m making them again. The enchilada sauce soaks into the chicken to keep it extra moist and juicy, there’s corn and red and yellow bell peppers for flavor and texture, and the melted cheese is my favorite part. Feel free to add black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, or your other favorite Mexican-inspired fixings. My enchilada-stuffed zucchini boats were already loaded to the max and couldn’t hold any more goodies even though I was tempted to try.
What’s in Stuffed Chicken Zucchini Boats?
To make this baked zucchini boats recipe, you’ll need:
Zucchini Cooked shredded chicken (use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time) Red enchilada sauce Bell peppers (I used red and yellow) Corn (I used frozen straight from the freezer) Mexican shredded cheese blend Fresh cilantro Optionally add or garnish with black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, or sour cream
How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Trim the zucchini, then cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out the flesh to make a boat, then cook until tender. Meanwhile, mix together the shredded chicken and enchilada sauce. Once cooked through, spoon the chicken mixture into the zucchini boats. Evenly sprinkle with bell peppers, corn, and cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted to your liking.
Can I Use Another Type of Protein?
Of course! Your’e welcome to use any kind of meat you like. If it’s something you enjoy in regular enchiladas, I’m sure it will work here.
How Long Do Stuffed Zucchini Boats Last?
These baked zucchini boats are best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips for Making the Best Zucchini Boats
Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s so flavorful and really cuts down on the time you would need to prepare, cook, and then shred chicken. If you’re trying to keep this recipe healthier, using a reduced-fat cheese blend is fine. It doesn’t melt quite as lusciously as full-fat cheese, but we do what we have to do sometimes. Regardless, your zucchini boats will make zucchini fans out of anyone! Lastly, don’t throw out the flesh you scooped out from the middle of the zucchini! Add it to another recipe, like a stir-fry, soup, or pasta dish.
More Healthy Mexican Recipes:
25-Minute Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas — EASY, ready in no time, tastes AUTHENTIC, and made on ONE sheet pan to keep things simple – especially on busy nights!! Who needs a Mexican restaurant when you can make fajitas this GOOD and healthier at home!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes!
Grilled Lime Cilantro Chicken — EASY, ready in 10 minutes, and the cilantro chicken is so TENDER, juicy, and full of Mexican-inspired flavor!! Put this HEALTHY chicken recipe on your summer menu rotation and it’ll be a hit with everyone!!
Sheet Pan Salsa Chicken and Potatoes – An EASY dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes and made on ONE pan with so much FLAVOR!! The salsa keeps the chicken so juicy for a winner-winner-chicken-dinner that’s perfect for busy nights!!
Skinny Mexican Chicken Skillet — EASY, ready in 20 minutes, and is a skinny recipe that keeps you full and satisfied!! A great Mexican-inspired meal that’s naturally gluten-free and is a flavor FIESTA in your mouth!!
Chicken Tortilla Lettuce Wraps — Soft butter lettuce (or romaine) cradles taco-seasoned chicken, juicy tomatoes and corn, crisp red peppers, and cheese. The wraps are topped with bright cilantro and seasoned tortilla chips.
15-Minute Salsa and Black Bean Chicken Skillet — Fast, EASY, family-friendly, healthy yet hearty, naturally gluten-free, Mexican-inspired meal!! The PERFECT recipe to jazz up your usual weeknight chicken dinner!!
Vegetarian Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas — Warm sweet potatoes, slightly spicy corn and beans, all smothered in cheese and red sauce. They’re satisfying, hearty, and you’ll never miss the meat!
Originally posted June 6, 2016 and reposted July 22, 2020 with updated text.
