These garlic sesame honey chicken stuffed zucchini boats are packed with flavor! Tender zucchini are filled with a sweet and savory chicken mixture that’s hard to resist.
What’s better than eating your veggies in such a fun way? I love how these boats make dinner feel like a little adventure. Perfect for a tasty weeknight meal! 🥒🍯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Medium zucchinis are perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find them, try using bell peppers or eggplants. They’ll hold up well and absorb the flavors nicely.
Ground Chicken: I love using ground chicken for its mild flavor, but ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives work great too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey is a good choice!
Sesame Oil: This adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you’re out, you can substitute with olive oil for cooking, though the flavor won’t be the same. It’s not a bad substitute if you’re looking to keep it simple.
Honey: Honey brings sweetness, but if you need a vegan option, agave syrup or maple syrup is a nice alternative. Both will retain the sweetness in the dish.
How Do I Prepare Zucchini Boats Without Making a Mess?
Creating zucchini boats is fun but can be tricky! Here’s how to do it neatly:
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the zucchini in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the insides with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh. A grapefruit spoon can make this easier!
- Keep the scooped-out flesh; it adds flavor to the filling!
Remember, be gentle when scooping to avoid tearing the skin. This method keeps your boats sturdy and ready to hold all that yummy filling!
Garlic Sesame Honey Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and scooped out
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or to taste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or additional green onions for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking, giving you a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. A quick and delicious way to enjoy zucchini in a unique way!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini Boats:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take your medium zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the inner flesh with a spoon to create “boats.” Leave about 1/4 inch of flesh on the skin to keep them sturdy. Set the scooped flesh aside for later use.
2. Cook the Chicken Mixture:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil or sesame oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté them together until you can smell the lovely aroma, which should take about 1 minute.
3. Browning the Chicken:
Now, toss in the ground chicken. Cook it while breaking it up with a spatula until it’s no longer pink and nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Zucchini Flesh & Seasonings:
Chop the reserved zucchini flesh into small pieces and add them to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then, stir in the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chili flakes (if you want some heat), and season with salt and pepper. Allow everything to cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
5. Fill the Zucchini Boats:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sesame seeds and green onions. Now it’s time to fill the zucchini boats! Place the prepared zucchini halves on a baking sheet or in a casserole dish. Spoon the delicious chicken mixture evenly into each half, pressing gently to pack it in.
6. Bake Your Zucchini Boats:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. They’re done when the zucchini is tender and the filling is heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take them out of the oven and garnish with fresh chives or additional green onions, plus a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious garlic sesame honey chicken stuffed zucchini boats!
FAQ for Garlic Sesame Honey Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is fantastic, you can substitute it with ground turkey, pork, or even a plant-based alternative like lentils or store-bought meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. This will ensure your dish remains gluten-free without sacrificing flavor!
What Can I Serve with These Zucchini Boats?
These stuffed zucchini boats are great on their own, but you can serve them alongside rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They also pair well with a light dipping sauce for added flavor!
