These Garlic Sesame Honey Chicken Zucchini Boats are a fun and tasty way to enjoy a meal! Filled with juicy chicken, sweet honey, and a hint of garlic, every bite is a burst of flavor.
Plus, you get to eat your dinner right out of a zucchini! Who wouldn’t want to feel like a chef with this creative dish? I love serving these with a side of rice for a complete feast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchinis: Choose medium zucchinis for the right size and tenderness. If zucchinis aren’t available, you could use eggplants or bell peppers as alternatives. They both hold the filling well!
Ground Chicken: I really enjoy using ground chicken for its lightness. However, you can substitute it with ground turkey, beef, or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds umami flavor to the dish, but tamari suits gluten-free diets. If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, consider using half the amount or opting for coconut aminos.
Honey: Honey gives sweetness and balances the savory flavors. Feel free to swap it for maple syrup if you’re vegan or prefer a different sweetener.
How Can I Ensure My Zucchini Boats Stay Firm?
One common challenge is ending up with mushy zucchini boats. To prevent this, follow a few simple steps:
- Choose medium-sized zucchinis. Larger zucchinis can be watery.
- Scoop out just enough flesh, but don’t overdo it—as some zucchini helps maintain structure!
- Baking them for just the right time is key—20-25 minutes should do it without losing crispiness.
By keeping an eye on the baking time and not overstuffing the boats, you’ll get that perfect texture!
Garlic Sesame Honey Chicken Zucchini Boats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Zucchini Boats:
- 3 medium zucchinis
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to cook, making a total of 35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your zucchinis bake evenly and get nice and tender.
2. Prepare the Zucchinis:
Wash your zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center flesh carefully, creating “boats.” Make sure to leave about ¼ inch of flesh around the edges to hold everything together! Set aside the scooped-out flesh for later.
3. Cook the Filling:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and starting to turn golden. Next, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using), cooking for another minute until it’s fragrant.
4. Add the Chicken:
Now, throw the ground chicken into the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook it evenly.
5. Mix in the Zucchini Flesh:
Chop up the reserved zucchini flesh finely and add it to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to combine everything well.
6. Season the Filling:
Next, stir in the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well blended and slightly sticky. Season with salt, pepper, and add a dash of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
7. Assemble the Boats:
Place the zucchini boats in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or greased lightly. Carefully spoon the chicken mixture into each boat, packing it gently to fill them well.
8. Add Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onions generously over the top of the filled zucchini boats for added flavor and crunch.
9. Bake:
Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the zucchinis are tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them to make sure they stay perfectly firm!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly. Then, serve and enjoy this delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor!
FAQ for Garlic Sesame Honey Chicken Zucchini Boats
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground chicken is a great option, you can swap it with ground turkey, beef, or even tofu or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder flavors, simply omit the red pepper flakes. For extra heat, you can add more red pepper or even a dash of sriracha to the filling. You can always taste and adjust as you go!
Can I Make These Zucchini Boats Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just fill the zucchini boats and bake when you’re ready to serve. They taste just as delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They make for a quick and tasty meal later on!
