Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

June 19, 2026

This is a bariatric-friendly recipe for parmesan marinara chicken baked in a zucchini boat.

I really love recipes that allow me to bake a lean and solid protein into a vegetable. It’s a double whammy! These Parmesan Chicken Zucchini Boats fit that description perfectly.

Bariatric patients find a lot of variety in their post-op meal plan with recipes like zucchini boats and stuffed peppers. You can make dishes like these with Italian, Mexican, or even Buffalo flavors!

Personally, I like the zucchini a little soft but still with texture. For that reason, I boil the zucchini for a couple minutes before baking them.

You can make the chicken in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker for a moist chicken that shreds easily and fills the zucchini boat. An easy substitution to save you time is using ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken.

This recipe is packed with protein and makes great leftovers!

Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats

Recipe by: Steph Wagner (Bariatric Food Coach)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 mins; Cook Time: 20 mins; Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 zucchini squash cut lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp minced dried garlic
  • 1/2 cup 2% mozzarella cheese shredded

Directions

  1. Begin by preparing chicken to cook and shred. For Instant Pot: add tomato sauce, chicken, and seasonings to pot. Select manual mode for 5 minutes and let naturally release for 10 minutes. Remove lid and shred.
    For slow cooker: add tomato sauce, chicken and seasonings to pot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Remove lid and shred.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oven to 375°F and prepare zucchini by slicing in half lengthwise and seeding. Boil a pot of water large enough to place zucchini in. Boil for 3 minutes and remove to casserole dish.
  3. Fill zucchini boats with shredded chicken. Sprinkle cheese over the top. Move to oven and bake for 15 minutes. Remove, let cool slightly, and serve.

Nutritional Info

Calories 223; Carbohydrates 12 grams; Fat 6 grams; Protein 31 grams

Check out more from Steph of Bariatric Food Coach on ObesityHelp!

Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steph Wagner MS, RDN has worked as a dietitian and food coach to bariatric patients since 2009. She is the co-founder Bariatricfoodcoach.com with her husband Kevin, a web developer. Together they've built an extensive, user-friendly website and community for post-op patients. Steph also has a published cookbook “Best Fork Forward: Everyday Dinners After Weight-Loss Surgery.” Read more articles by Steph!
Recipe Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on the brands and quantities of ingredients used. If you have food allergies, dietary restrictions, or follow a specific nutrition plan, please review the ingredient list before consuming. All information on ObesityHelp.com is provided for general informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns related to your nutrition.