Pesto Chicken Zucchini Boats

$To make pesto chicken zucchini boats, you need these ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Olive oil for drizzling - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to create a tasty dish. The zucchini acts as a perfect base, while the chicken and pesto mix adds great flavor. You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - If you don't have zucchinis, use bell peppers or eggplants. - For the chicken, you can use turkey or cooked shrimp. - Store-bought pesto works, but homemade tastes even better. You can blend fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil to make it. - If you want a lighter cheese, try using part-skim mozzarella. - For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute. These swaps let you customize the dish to fit your tastes or what you have on hand. Each serving of pesto chicken zucchini boats is packed with nutrients. Here’s what you can expect: - Calories: About 400 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 3g This meal is rich in protein and healthy fats. It provides a good balance that makes it great for lunch or dinner. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your zucchinis. You need four medium zucchinis for this recipe. Slice each one in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh. This creates a boat shape. Place the cut zucchinis, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over them. Then, sprinkle each boat with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps with cooking. Now, let’s make the filling. In a large bowl, mix two cups of shredded chicken with one cup of basil pesto. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. Next, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Mix everything well. Now, take half a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and add it to the mixture. Stir until all ingredients blend nicely. It’s time to fill the boats! Spoon the chicken-pesto mixture into each zucchini half. Make sure to divide it evenly. After that, top each boat with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Then, sprinkle half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the zucchini boats for 25-30 minutes. Look for tender zucchini and bubbly, golden cheese. Once done, take them out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your flavorful dish! To get perfectly cooked zucchini, choose medium-sized zucchinis. They hold their shape well. Slice them in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds. This helps them cook evenly. Drizzle olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender, not mushy. Keep an eye on them as they cook. You can boost the flavor of your zucchini boats easily. Try adding sautéed onions or garlic to the chicken mixture. They add a nice touch. Chopped spinach or bell peppers work well too. For some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. Don't forget to use fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness. Avoid overcooking the zucchini. It should be tender but still firm. Don't skip the seasoning; it enhances the flavors. Also, use enough pesto. It adds moisture and flavor. If you stuff the boats too much, they may spill over. Make sure to fill them evenly. Lastly, let the boats cool slightly before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to eat. Pro Tips Choosing Zucchini: Select medium-sized zucchinis that are firm and have a glossy skin for the best flavor and texture. Homemade Pesto: If you have time, consider making your own basil pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil for a fresher taste. Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as feta or goat cheese for a unique flavor profile. Meal Prep Friendly: These zucchini boats can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a quick and healthy weeknight meal. {{image_2}} If you want a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Both options offer protein and fiber. You can also add diced bell peppers or spinach for more veggies. Mix these with basil pesto and stuff the zucchini boats. This version is just as tasty and filling. You can use different proteins for the filling. Shredded turkey or cooked shrimp work great. For a lighter choice, try using tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to season them well, so they absorb the flavors. Each protein brings a unique taste to the dish, making it fun to experiment. Pesto sauce is versatile. You can change its flavor by adding nuts like walnuts or almonds. For a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes. If you want a creamier sauce, blend in some Greek yogurt or cream cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add a new layer of flavor. Each variation can turn your zucchini boats into a whole new dish! To store leftovers, let the zucchini boats cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini boats on a baking tray. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. Check if they are hot throughout. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, about one minute at a time. Freezing is a great way to save these boats for later. After cooling, wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped boats in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. They will stay fresh for up to three months. To eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can prepare these zucchini boats ahead of time. Assemble them up to a day before serving. Just store them in the fridge, covered. When ready to eat, bake them straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You know the zucchini is done when it is tender. A fork should slide in easily. The cheese on top should be bubbly and slightly browned. If you see this, it's perfect to take out of the oven. A fresh salad pairs well with pesto chicken zucchini boats. Try a simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette. Grilled asparagus or roasted vegetables make a great side too. For something heartier, serve with brown rice or quinoa. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious pesto chicken zucchini boats. We discussed the ingredients you'll need and offered substitutions. You learned the step-by-step instructions for prepping and baking. I shared tips for perfect cooking and flavor boosts. We explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Cooking can be fun and easy. Follow these steps to impress your family and friends. Enjoy your tasty, healthy meal!$

Delicious zucchini boats filled with shredded chicken, basil pesto, and topped with cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Olive oil for drizzling
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 the seeds and some of the flesh to create boats. Place them cut-side up on a baking sheet.
Drizzle the zucchini boats with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
Fill each zucchini boat with the chicken-pesto mixture, distributing it evenly among all the boats.
Top each boat with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve warm.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.

Keyword baked, chicken, healthy, pesto, zucchini