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Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
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Okay, picture this: it's a Tuesday evening, you're staring into the fridge, and the usual suspects just aren't cutting it. Chicken again? Zucchini, sigh, again? That's where these little boats of deliciousness come to the rescue! They're surprisingly easy to throw together, and honestly, the bright, zesty flavors make you feel like you're eating something way fancier than it actually is. The fresh cilantro and lime seriously make this dish sing. I remember one time when I was hosting a dinner party, and I needed something quick and easy. These stuffed zucchinis were a HUGE hit. Everyone was raving about the fresh flavors and how light and refreshing they were. Serve them as a main course, a side dish, or even as appetizers at your next summer cookout. You're gonna love 'em!
The key to these stuffed zucchinis lies in the simplicity of the ingredients and the vibrant flavors of the cilantro and lime. Don't be afraid to experiment with different variations, like adding a little bit of cheese or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick. I personally love adding a dash of cumin for a deeper, earthier flavor that complements the chicken so well. Also, if you're trying to make this even healthier, you can use ground turkey or even quinoa instead of chicken. My sister swears by using crumbled tofu and she says it taste awesome! Cooking, after all, is all about making adjustments and finding what works best for you and your taste buds, right? Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Required Equipments
- Baking Sheet
- Skillet
- Spoon
- Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Zester
Cilantro Lime Chicken Stuffed Zucchini: Frequently Asked Questions
Cilantro Lime Chicken Stuffed Zucchini
These Cilantro Lime Chicken Stuffed Zucchinis are bursting with fresh flavors. They're not just good; they're a fun and healthy way to get your protein and veggies all in one delicious package!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First things first, let's get that oven preheating! Crank it up to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your zucchinis will cook evenly and the filling will be perfectly heated through.
- Now, let's tackle the zucchinis. Wash two medium-sized zucchinis and slice them lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the pulp, leaving about a ¼-inch border to create a boat-like shape. Don't toss that pulp! You can chop it up and add it to the chicken mixture later for extra flavor and moisture. Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet lightly greased with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Time for the chicken! In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add one pound of ground chicken and cook until it's no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Now, for the flavor bomb! To the cooked chicken, add ½ cup of chopped onion and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant. Oh, that aroma! Its enough to make my stomach rumble!
- Stir in one teaspoon of chili powder, ½ teaspoon of cumin, ¼ teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. This spice blend gives the chicken a warm, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the cilantro and lime. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro, the zest of one lime, and two tablespoons of lime juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This is where the magic happens! That fresh cilantro and lime just brighten everything up.
- Spoon the chicken mixture evenly into the zucchini boats, mounding it slightly. If you have any extra zucchini pulp you saved from earlier, mix it into the chicken filling!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the chicken filling is heated through and slightly browned on top. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Nobody likes burnt zucchini!
- Optional: During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle some shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or your favorite) over the stuffed zucchinis for an extra layer of flavor and melty goodness. I usually avoid this because of my diet, but it taste amazing!
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy these flavourful boats of deliciousness. Seriously, you’re gonna love 'em!
📝 Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground chicken with crumbled tofu or lentils.
- Add a sprinkle of cheese during the last few minutes of baking for extra flavor.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 50 mg
