Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast?

Yes. Ground chicken works very well for the filling and creates a more uniform texture. The cooking time should remain approximately the same.

Why does my zucchini become too soft?

It may have been baked for too long or you may have used a very large, watery zucchini. Choose young zucchini and avoid scooping out too much of the flesh.

How do I know when the filling is cooked?

The chicken should be completely cooked through with no pink areas. The zucchini should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork while still holding its shape.

Can I add cheese on top?

Yes. Sprinkle a little grated hard cheese over the zucchini about 5 minutes before the end of baking. It will melt and create an appealing golden crust.

Can I make stuffed zucchini in an air fryer?

Yes. An air fryer works well for this recipe, although cooking time can vary by model. Check that the chicken is fully cooked and the zucchini is tender before serving.

Can I make this dish even lighter?

It is already very low in fat. For the lightest version, simply skip the optional cheese topping and cook the zucchini without adding extra oil.

Stuffed squash

Name: Stuffed squash
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 порция
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Zucchini — 130 g; Chicken fillet — 95 g; Onion — 13 g; Green Onion — 5 g; Garlic — 3 g

50min

246g

Nutrition per 100g

Chicken stuffed zucchini is a simple way to make a light but satisfying homemade dinner. Tender zucchini is filled with juicy chicken, onion, green onion, and fragrant garlic, then baked until everything is perfectly cooked. The result is protein-rich, flavorful, and naturally low in fat. At just 89 calories per serving, it is a great choice when you want a wholesome meal without feeling weighed down.

LunchMeatVegetables

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

5 products

Base

Filling

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

For a juicy filling, chop the chicken into small pieces or use ground chicken so it cooks evenly with the vegetables. Finely chop the zucchini flesh as well, then combine it with the chicken, onion, green onion, and garlic. Do not scoop the zucchini too deeply. Leave sturdy walls so the halves hold their shape during baking. Bake for about 25–30 minutes in a well-preheated oven. For an optional golden cheese topping, sprinkle grated cheese over the zucchini about 5 minutes before the end of cooking.

Step 1

Prepare the zucchini

Wash the zucchini, slice it lengthwise into two halves, and carefully scoop out some of the flesh with a spoon. Leave sturdy walls so the halves can hold their shape while baking. Finely chop the removed zucchini flesh.

Step 2

Prepare the chicken filling

Finely chop the chicken fillet or process it into a ground consistency. Finely dice the onion and chop the green onion. Add the prepared zucchini flesh to the chicken.

Step 3

Add garlic and seasoning

Press the garlic and add it to the filling. Season with salt and your preferred spices. Mix thoroughly so the onion, garlic, and zucchini are evenly distributed throughout the chicken.

Step 4

Fill the zucchini halves

Spoon the prepared chicken mixture into the zucchini halves. Spread it evenly and gently press it into place without packing the filling too tightly.

Step 5

Bake the stuffed zucchini

Place the stuffed zucchini halves in a baking dish and transfer them to a well-preheated oven. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, until the chicken filling is completely cooked and the zucchini is tender.

Step 6

Add cheese and serve

If desired, sprinkle grated cheese over the top about 5 minutes before the end of cooking. Return the zucchini to the oven until the cheese melts and lightly browns. Serve hot.

CHEF'S TIP

Choose young zucchini

Small, young zucchini with thin skin and small seeds stay tender during baking and cook more quickly than large, mature zucchini.

Keep the zucchini walls sturdy

Scoop out the flesh carefully and leave enough zucchini around the edges. If the walls are too thin, the halves can become overly soft and lose their shape.

Chop the filling finely

Cut the chicken and zucchini flesh into small pieces so they cook evenly. Smaller pieces also make the finished filling more tender and cohesive.

Add cheese at the end

For a golden, cheesy crust, sprinkle grated cheese over the stuffed zucchini about 5 minutes before they finish baking. This gives the cheese enough time to melt and lightly brown.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

Use ground chicken Replace the chicken fillet with ground chicken for a more uniform filling. It mixes easily with the vegetables and cooks in roughly the same amount of time.
Try turkey Chicken fillet can be replaced with turkey breast in the same amount. The flavor will be slightly richer while the filling remains lean and protein-rich.
Swap the green onion Replace green onion with a small amount of another fresh herb you enjoy. Use it moderately so the delicate flavor of the zucchini remains noticeable.
Add a cheesy topping For a richer finish, add a small amount of grated hard cheese about 5 minutes before the zucchini are done. It will melt into a savory golden topping.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Chicken Stuffed Zucchini

Let the stuffed zucchini cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat until the chicken filling is thoroughly hot, using an oven or microwave. An oven is preferable if you want to preserve the texture. You can freeze cooked stuffed zucchini, although the zucchini may become softer and release more liquid after thawing. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

GOOD TO KNOW