Keto Creamy Garlic Chicken (Printable version)

Tender zucchini boats filled with creamy garlic chicken and melted cheese for a low-carb dish.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Zucchini Boats

01 - 4 medium zucchini
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Creamy Chicken Filling

04 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
08 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
11 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
13 - Salt and pepper to taste
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional for garnish

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center, creating boats while leaving approximately 1/4 inch thick shells. Reserve and chop the scooped flesh.
03 - Brush zucchini boats with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish cut side up.
04 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add the chopped zucchini flesh and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
07 - Add shredded chicken, Parmesan cheese, half the mozzarella, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
08 - Fill each zucchini boat with the creamy chicken mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
09 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
10 - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving if desired.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • It feels like you're eating something decadent when really you're hitting your macros perfectly and staying under carbs.
  • Creamy garlic chicken is genuinely comforting, and when it's nestled in roasted zucchini instead of pasta, somehow it tastes even better.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, which means you're not spending your evening glued to the stove.
02 -
  • If your cream cheese is cold when you add it, whisk it really slowly into the hot cream or it'll break into little bits instead of turning silky—low and slow is your friend here.
  • Don't skip scooping the zucchini flesh out; that extra bit of zucchini in the filling adds moisture and texture, plus it prevents the boats from turning into watery, deflated shells.
  • The zucchini will still be slightly firm when it comes out of the oven, and that's exactly what you want because it'll continue to soften slightly as it sits.
03 -
  • Buy pre-shredded chicken or use rotisserie chicken to cut your prep time in half and still get restaurant-quality results.
  • The smoked paprika is a sleeper ingredient that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is—don't leave it out even though it seems small.
  • If you're making this for guests, assemble everything in the baking dish ahead of time and just pop it in the oven right before they arrive for that fresh-from-the-kitchen impression.
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