Keto Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats (Printer-friendly)

Zucchini halves filled with spiced chicken, topped with melted cheese for a tasty low-carb Mexican-inspired dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchini
02 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Protein

04 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded

→ Sauce & Seasonings

05 - 1 cup sugar-free enchilada sauce
06 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Dairy

12 - 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
13 - 2 tablespoons sour cream for serving, optional

→ Garnishes

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
15 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced, optional
16 - 1/2 avocado, diced, optional

# Directions:

01 - Set oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
02 - Slice zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the centers, leaving approximately 1/4 inch border to create boats. Reserve 1/2 cup of the scooped zucchini flesh, chop it finely, and set aside.
03 - Place zucchini boats cut side up in a large baking dish.
04 - In a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté chopped onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and reserved chopped zucchini flesh; cook for 1 minute.
05 - Stir in shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to heat through.
06 - Spoon chicken mixture evenly into zucchini boats. Top each boat with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
07 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro, jalapeño slices, and diced avocado if desired. Serve with sour cream on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You get to eat something that tastes indulgent and restaurant-worthy while staying firmly in your keto goals.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, and your kitchen smells like a Mexican restaurant in the best possible way.
  • Zucchini boats are naturally forgiving, so even if you mess up the scooping part, it still tastes amazing.
02 -
  • Don't skip the step of leaving a border when you scoop the zucchini, I learned this the hard way when one boat collapsed in the oven and made me wish I'd been more careful.
  • The enchilada sauce brands vary so much that you should taste yours first, some are way spicier than others and this is your chance to adjust before you've already assembled everything.
03 -
  • Buy your zucchini a day or two before you plan to use them, they're easier to scoop when they've had a chance to firm up slightly in the refrigerator.
  • If your enchilada sauce tastes too acidic or sharp, a quarter teaspoon of sugar balances it out beautifully and no one will know what you added.
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