Description
Chicken zucchini boats bring robust flavors from Greece into a simple one-pan meal. Mediterranean herbs and lean protein create a wholesome dinner families will savor quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground chicken
- 4 zucchinis
- 7 green onions, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup + 1 tbsp (113 g) honey
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) soy sauce
- 3 tbsps (45 ml) ketchup
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) oil
- 2 tsps (10 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp (5 g) toasted sesame seeds
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini Vessels: Slice zucchini lengthwise and delicately hollow out the interior, maintaining a sturdy 1/4-inch wall thickness to create boat-shaped receptacles.
- Initial Roasting: Brush zucchini boats with olive oil, arrange cut-side down in a baking dish, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until slightly softened but structurally sound.
- Chicken Preparation: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground chicken, breaking into fine crumbles until fully cooked and reaching 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Flavor Fusion: Whisk together honey, low-sodium soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a vibrant sauce.
- Sauce Integration: Reduce heat and simmer chicken with the prepared sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to thicken and become glossy.
- Final Assembly: Fold in green onions and toasted sesame seeds, then generously fill roasted zucchini boats with the seasoned chicken mixture.
- Serving Presentation: Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onion slices, serving immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Scoop Carefully: Use a spoon with a sharp edge to create clean, even zucchini boats without puncturing the skin, maintaining a consistent 1/4-inch wall thickness.
- Prevent Sogginess: Roasting zucchini cut-side down helps eliminate excess moisture and creates a slightly firmer texture for better structural support.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm ground chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein.
- Sauce Balance: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 404
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 916 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg