Ingredients
Method
For the enchilada sauce
- In a medium saucepan, spray oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add chipotle chiles, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Set the sauce aside until you are ready to use it.
For the Zucchini Boats
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out the flesh, leaving a 0.25-inch thick shell.
- Chop the scooped out zucchini flesh into small pieces and set aside.
- In a large sauté pan, heat 1 tsp of oil. Add chopped green onions, crushed garlic, and diced green bell pepper. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the chopped zucchini flesh and 0.25 cup of chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 4 minutes.
- Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp dried oregano, 0.5 tsp chipotle chili powder, 3 tbsp water or chicken broth, and 1 tbsp tomato paste. Cook for a few more minutes, then add the cooked shredded chicken breast. Mix well and cook for 3 additional minutes.
- Pour 0.25 cup of the prepared enchilada sauce onto the bottom of a large (or 2 small) baking dish. Arrange the zucchini halves, cut side up, in the dish.
- Using a spoon, fill each hollowed zucchini half with about 0.33 cup of the chicken mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it's packed.
- Top each stuffed zucchini with 2 tablespoons of the enchilada sauce and then 1.5 tablespoons of reduced-fat shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
- Garnish with extra scallions and cilantro if desired. Serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, if desired.
Notes
This recipe is a great way to use fresh zucchini and enjoy the flavors of enchiladas in a low-carb format. For extra spice, increase the amount of chipotle chile in adobo sauce.
