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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Zucchini Taco Boats

    Published: Aug 4, 2022 · Modified: Sep 22, 2024 by Eileen Murphy Kelly

    Jump to Recipe

    These Zucchini Taco Boats are a fun and easy way to enjoy all your favorite taco toppings without all the guilt! Packed with veggies and lean ground chicken, these boats will surely be a hit with the whole family!

    A casserole dish with taco stuffed zucchini.

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    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Equipment
    • Instructions
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Variations
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Similar recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    • This zucchini taco boat recipe is perfect for picky eaters because it's a flavorful twist on a family favorite recipe that is loaded with healthy vegetables.
    • Each zucchini boat is packed with lean ground chicken, tomatoes, onions, and cheesy goodness, you can't go wrong with that combination.
    • And, they're perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy weeknight dinner!

    Ingredients

    zucchini taco boat ingredients

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    • avocado oil               
    • zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
    • ground chicken
    • red onion, diced
    • salt
    • ground black pepper
    • corn
    • black beans
    • salsa
    • bell pepper, any color
    • jalapeno, chopped
    • garlic, grated
    • chili powder
    • ground cumin
    • ground oregano
    • Mexican blended shredded cheese
    • chopped tomatoes, optional garnish
    • cilantro, optional garnish
    • chopped jalapeno, optional garnish

    Equipment

    • Cutting Board
    • knife
    • Saute Pan, 5 quart
    • 9x13 inch casserole dish
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

    Instructions

    This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.

    Step by step instructions with text overlay to make Mexican zucchini boats.
    • Preheat the oven to 475°F. Drizzle 1 Tablespoon of oil into a 9" x 13" baking dish and set aside.
    • Use a spoon to scoop out the inside of each zucchini half. Place the zucchini halves into the prepared baking dish. Leave a ¼-inch thick shell on each half. Discard what is scooped out.
    • Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of oil to hot pan. Add chicken, onions, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
    • Remove the skillet from the heat and add the corn, beans, salsa, bell peppers, jalapenos, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano. Mix until combined.
    Step by step instructions with text overlay of how to make Taco stuffed zucchini.
    1. Add the zucchini half to the baking dish.
    2. Fill each zucchini half (boat) equally with the taco filling. Top each zucchini boat with shredded cheese.
    3. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, the stuffing will be warmed through and the zucchini will be soft.
    4. Serve with the optional toppings. Enjoy.

    Storage

    These zucchini taco boats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.

    Zucchini stuffed with ground chicken and veggies.

    Expert Tips

    Expert Tip: If you prefer a softer zucchini boat, I recommend adding an additional 5 or 6 minutes to the cooking time.

    • Use the scooped-out zucchini to make vegetable stock. Or you could also use it in a batch of zucchini bread.
    • Be sure to grease your baking dish so that the boats do not stick to the pan.
    • Make sure you drain your corn if you are planning to use canned corn.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you reheat frozen zucchini boats?

    You can reheat these in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

    Can you make zucchini boats ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make these boats ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Do you eat the skin of zucchini boats?

    Zucchini skins are edible so it's your personal taste prefer if you decide to eat them or not.

    Variations

    • If you're looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and double the black beans.
    • Add more spice to this taco boat recipe by adding 1-2 more tablespoons of chili powder or by using hot salsa.
    • For a dairy-free version, simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese.
    • Switch up the cheese, and top them with your favorite such as cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, or even Monterey Jack cheese.
    • If you are not a fan of ground chicken, you can use ground turkey, ground beef, or even chorizo instead.
    Taco Stuffed zucchini with a casserole dish of more zucchini taco boats.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Nothing goes better with Mexican-inspired dishes like these taco boats than chips and queso. And, this Instant Pot Queso is by far my favorite Queso recipe. Bonus tip, it tastes amazing on top of these stuffed zucchini.
    • Do you want to add more jazz to these Zucchini Taco Boats? Once they are filled and cooked you can top them with this Homemade Guacamole for an extra flavor boost.
    • End this meal with these Churro Bites for some added Mexican flare to your family dinner.

    Similar recipes

    • These Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos are so simple to make, they are perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner to be ready to eat when you get home from work.
    • Applebees Chicken Wonton Tacos is a fresh and flavorful twist on Taco Tuesday. Skip the normal tacos and give this recipe a try next week!
    • Mummy Taco Bread is a kid-friendly twist that is easy to make, and lots so cute. If you are looking for a meal for your picky eaters, then this is the recipe for you!

    I love any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them below.

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    Eileen  xo

    If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

    If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    📖 Recipe

    Zucchini Taco Boats

    Delicious Mexican flavored ground chicken, beans, peppers, and corn are a delicous stuffing for fresh zucchini.
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    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Tex-Mex
    Keyword: Mexican zucchini boats, zucchini taco boats
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 32 minutes minutes
    0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 47 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 448kcal
    Author: Eileen Kelly

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

    Equipment Needed:

    • As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
    • Cutting Board
    • knife
    • Saute Pan, 5 quart
    • 9x13 inch casserole dish
    • Measuring Spoons and Cups
    • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoons avocado oil, divided                    
    • 4 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
    • ¾ pounds ground chicken
    • ⅓ cup red onion, diced
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • ¾ cup corn, frozen or canned if canned, drain and discard liquid
    • ¾ cup black beans
    • ¾ cup salsa
    • 1 cup bell pepper, any color
    • 2 teaspoons jalapeno, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, grated
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon ground oregano
    • ½ cup Mexican blended shredded cheese
    • chopped tomatoes, optional garnish
    • chopped cilantro, optional garnish
    • chopped jalapeno, optional garnish

    Save the Recipe?

    Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox to view anytime. Plus the bonus of regular recipes to you for inspiration!

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 475°F. Drizzle 1 Tablespoon of oil into a 9" x 13" baking dish and set aside.
    • Use a spoon to scoop out the inside of each zucchini half. Place the zucchini halves into the prepared baking dish. Leave a ¼-inch thick shell on each half. Discard what is scooped out. Note 2
    • Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add 1 Tablespoon of oil too hot pan. Add chicken, onions, salt, and black pepper.  Cook for 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
    • Remove the skillet from the heat and add the corn, beans, salsa, bell peppers, jalapenos, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano.  Mix until combined.
    • Fill each zucchini half (boat) equally with the taco filling.  Top each zucchini boat with shredded cheese.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, the stuffing will be warmed through and the zucchini will be soft.
    • Serve with the optional toppings. Enjoy.

    NOTES

    Be sure to check Variations, Expert Tips, and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe
    4 servings / 2 zucchinis per serving
    Note 1: Feel free to swap out and use ground turkey, beef, or pork. 
    Note 2: The insides of the zucchini can be used to make vegetable stock. 
    Note 3: If softer zucchini is preferred, bake an additional 5-6 minutes. 
    Can also be served with chips, salsa, fresh veggies, and sour cream.
    ●      Colby Jack cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack are also good
    Recipes are written for information purposes. Eileen Kelly is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. Any nutritional data we provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 839mg | Potassium: 1807mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2090IU | Vitamin C: 89mg | Calcium: 206mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @Everyday_Eileen or tag #everydayeileen!

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