These scrumptious cheese-topped stuffed zucchinis get their taste and texture from a delicious combination of zucchinis, tomato sauce and chicken. They are flavorful, satisfying, and light at the same time. With this handmade, low-calorie recipe for baked stuffed zucchinis, you may wow your loved ones with a delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 medium size zucchinis, cut each into 3 equal pieces
- 2 cups of chicken spaghetti or tomato sauce
- ¼ dry red peppers flakes
- 2 tsps grated garlic, divided
- 1 1/2 cup chicken broth, divided
- 1 cup of blended cooked quinoa/rice
- 3 tsp avocado oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- ½ cup onions
- 2 tbsp jalapeño peppers
- 1 teaspoon of Mexican seasoning
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1⁄2 cup of parmesan cheese for topping
- parsley for topping
Preparation of Stuffed Zucchinis
- Wash and cut each zucchini into 4 equal parts, and take out the pulp (put aside for another use)
- In a small preheated pot with 1 teaspoon of oil, add 1 teaspoon garlic and ¼ tsp dry chiles; incorporate the spaghetti sauce or tomato sauce; cook for a few minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
- Add the seasoned ground chicken with salt and pepper to a preheated frypan with 2 tsp of oil, cook until light brown, and transfer to a warm bowl.
- Add the onions to the pan and cook until softened; incorporate the remaining garlic, dash salt and pepper, jalalapeño, Mexican seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook for 3 minutes
- Add the cooked chicken and mix well; incorporate ½ cup chicken broth, and cook for 4 minutes. Transfer to a warm bowl.
- Pour half of the tomato sauce and the remaining chicken broth on the bottom of a round baking pan.
- Transfer the zucchini pieces to the pan and Fill the bottom of the zucchini with a layer of tomato sauce, ground chicken, a blend of quinoa and rice, and finish with another layer of sauce and top with the cheese parmesan.
- Cover the pan with a lid, transfer to a preheated oven at 350 F, and cook until they are soft and the cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
How This Recipe Benefits Your Thyroid
1. Zucchinis
Zucchinis are high in antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin A, which help reduce inflammation and support thyroid hormone production and regulation. They also provide magnesium, which is essential for optimal thyroid function.
2. Chicken Spaghetti or Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the thyroid from oxidative stress. The combination of tomatoes and chicken also provides a source of protein and essential vitamins.
3. Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes contain capsaicin, which can help boost metabolism and thyroid activity. They also offer anti-inflammatory benefits that support thyroid function.
4. Grated Garlic
Garlic contains sulfur compounds and antioxidants that aid in detoxification and inflammation reduction, supporting thyroid health.
5. Chicken Broth
Rich in collagen and amino acids, chicken broth supports gut health and metabolism, which are closely linked to thyroid function.
6. Blended Cooked Quinoa/Rice
Quinoa and rice provide a good source of fiber and minerals like magnesium, which support digestion and overall thyroid health. Quinoa also contains essential amino acids that aid in hormone production.
7. Avocado Oil
Avocado oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, reducing inflammation and supporting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, which are crucial for thyroid health.
8. Ground Chicken
Chicken is a lean source of protein, zinc, and selenium, minerals that are vital for thyroid hormone production and immune system support.
9. Salt and Black Pepper
Salt (preferably sea salt) provides iodine, a critical element in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, while black pepper aids in the absorption of nutrients essential for thyroid health.
10. Onions
Onions are rich in sulfur compounds and antioxidants that support detoxification and reduce inflammation, benefiting thyroid function.
11. Jalapeño Peppers
Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can enhance metabolism and thyroid activity. They also provide antioxidants that support overall health.
12. Mexican Seasoning
This blend of herbs and spices, often including cumin and oregano, contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help support thyroid health.
13. Tomato Paste
Tomato paste is rich in antioxidants, including lycopene, which help protect the thyroid from oxidative damage and support overall immune health.
14. Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan cheese provides calcium and iodine, both of which are important for bone health and thyroid function.
15. Parsley
Parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants that support immune function and reduce oxidative stress, benefiting the thyroid.
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Notes and information
Note: I use organic ingredients as much as possible. This way, I can get beneficial nutrients and avoid harmful pesticides, hormones, and chemicals that affect our thyroid and health in general.
It’s nearly impossible to find well-informed people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Hi Barclays,
Thank you for your kind words! I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, and I’m glad it resonated with you. If you have any further questions or need clarification on anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
I don’t eat a lot of zucchini, but this combo sounds really tasty. And anything cheese topped is a winner for me x
Hi Rhan Westbury,
I’m glad you like the sound of the dish! The cheesy topping adds a delicious finishing touch, creating a comforting and satisfying dish. If you decide to try it, I hope you enjoy it!
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