Description
These Grated Zucchini Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a flavorful, protein-packed dinner that sneaks in extra veggies in the most delicious way. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a savory zucchini, onion, garlic, and parmesan mixture, then baked until golden and tender. A wholesome meal that feels elegant but is surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds (907 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 breasts)
- 2 cups (250 g) coarsely grated zucchini (about 2 small zucchini)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, divided
- ½ medium onion, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
- ¼ cup (15 g) chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika
- 1/3 cup (35 g) parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional
- 8 ounces (227 g) cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in grated zucchini, parsley, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until zucchini releases some moisture. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese.
- Stuff the chicken: Cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Stuff generously with the zucchini mixture.
- Secure openings with toothpicks if needed and place stuffed chicken into the prepared baking dish.
- Brush chicken with the remaining olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and scatter cherry tomatoes around if using.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove toothpicks, let rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
- If your zucchini is extra watery, squeeze out excess moisture before cooking for the best filling texture.
- Try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh basil to the filling for variety.
- Pair with rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: stuffed chicken breasts, zucchini chicken, healthy chicken dinner, baked chicken recipe, low carb stuffed chicken