Description
Tender zucchini halves grilled to smoky perfection, filled with fragrant rice and juicy spiced chicken. A nutritious yet flavorful meal that feels both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large zucchinis, halved lengthwise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- ½ tsp turmeric (optional, for color)
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
- Scoop out the center of each zucchini half to create space for filling. Brush with olive oil, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Grill (or bake at 400°F / 200°C) for 8–10 minutes until slightly tender but still firm.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté briefly. Stir in chicken pieces with cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked.
- In another pan, heat olive oil/butter. Stir in cooked rice with turmeric, onion, and parsley until fragrant and warmed through.
- Fill each zucchini with a layer of rice, then top with spiced chicken. Return to grill or oven for 5 more minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with black beans or chickpeas.
- These zucchini boats can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg