These Garlic Honey Sesame Chicken Zucchini Boats are a fun twist on dinner! Filled with tender chicken, sweet honey, and savory garlic, they are bursting with flavor.
Best part? You get to eat your bowl too! Zucchini makes a great, healthy boat to hold all that yummy goodness. I love serving these with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: These serve as the tasty, low-carb boats for your filling. If zucchini isn’t available, you can use bell peppers or eggplants as great alternatives.
Ground Chicken: This is the star protein here. If you prefer, turkey or ground beef works well, too. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch in this dish. If you’re in a hurry, garlic powder is a quick substitute; just use less since it’s more concentrated.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can also use maple syrup or agave for a similar flavor. For lower sugar, consider a sugar-free syrup.
Soy Sauce: This gives a nice umami flavor. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) are good substitutes.
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini Boats Don’t Get Soggy?
To keep your zucchini boats from getting soft, it’s essential to properly pre-cook your filling. Here are some tips:
- Preheat your oven before baking the boats to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini in the oven. Check them a few minutes early to keep them tender-crisp.
- Using a smaller amount of liquid in your filling helps avoid excess moisture. Drain any juices from the cooked chicken if necessary.
Following these tips will help ensure your zucchini maintains a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the filling!
Garlic Honey Sesame Chicken Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
Time Estimate
This delightful recipe will take around 10 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and tasty weeknight dinner option with a total time of about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you assemble your zucchini boats.
2. Prepare the Zucchinis:
Wash the zucchinis thoroughly. Carefully slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the center flesh to create the boat shape, leaving about a 1/4 inch edge to hold the filling. Don’t forget to chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh and set it aside for later!
3. Set the Zucchini Boats:
Arrange your zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased—this will make cleanup easier!
4. Start the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, pour in some olive oil. Once warm, add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if you’re using it), sautéing for about 1 minute until a lovely aroma fills the air.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
6. Mix in the Zucchini:
Stir in the reserved chopped zucchini flesh, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until it’s softened and well combined with the chicken.
7. Add the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re adding them for a spice kick). Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken, stirring well to coat everything in that delicious sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to your taste!
8. Spoon the Filling:
Carefully spoon the chicken mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, packing it in nicely.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the zucchini is tender and the filling is hot.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for that extra flavor and crunch. Serve your Garlic Honey Sesame Chicken Zucchini Boats warm and enjoy this tasty meal!
FAQ for Garlic Honey Sesame Chicken Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Other Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein you choose.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Filling?
If you have extra filling, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use it in salads, sandwiches, or even as a filling for wraps!
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Carbs?
For a lower-carb option, you can use bell peppers instead of zucchinis or even make a zucchini noodle (zoodle) stir-fry with the filling instead of using zucchini boats.
Can I Prepare These Zucchini Boats Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and scoop out the zucchinis a few hours in advance. Just store everything separately in the fridge and assemble and bake them right before serving for the best texture.
