Mediterranean Zesty Grilled Chicken & Honey Lime Zucchini Boats

Mediterranean Zesty Grilled Chicken & Honey Lime Zucchini Boats

This Mediterranean Zesty Grilled Chicken & Honey Lime Zucchini Boats recipe is a light, flavorful, and healthy meal perfect for summer grilling or a refreshing weeknight dinner. Juicy grilled chicken is marinated in a Mediterranean-inspired blend of spices, then paired with tender zucchini boats glazed with a sweet and tangy honey-lime drizzle. The result is a vibrant and colorful dish loaded with protein, veggies, and bold zesty flavors. Serve it with a side of couscous, tzatziki, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean feast!

Total Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Marinate Time (optional): 30 minutes (recommended for best flavor)

Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

Total Time: 35–40 minutes (plus marinating if desired)

Ingredients:

For the Mediterranean Zesty Grilled Chicken:

2 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), sliced into strips or cubes

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 tsp lemon zest

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp ground cumin

½ tsp ground coriander

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Honey Lime Zucchini Boats:

3–4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)

1 tsp lime zest

Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (Optional but Recommended):

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

¼ cup cherry tomatoes, diced

1 tbsp pine nuts (optional, for crunch)

Additional lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor.

Prepare the Zucchini Boats:

Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.

Using a spoon, scoop out the center of each zucchini half, creating a shallow boat. Leave about ¼ inch of flesh along the edges.

In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Brush the honey lime mixture generously over the zucchini boats.

Grill the Chicken and Zucchini:

Place the chicken pieces on the preheated grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.

At the same time, place the zucchini boats cut-side down on the grill. Grill for 3–4 minutes, then flip and grill for another 3–4 minutes, until tender and caramelized.

Assemble the Dish:

Transfer the grilled zucchini boats to a platter.

Top the zucchini boats with the grilled chicken pieces.

Sprinkle with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and pine nuts if using.

Serve:

Garnish with extra lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Serve warm as a main dish or alongside couscous, pita bread, or a fresh salad.

Tips 

Marinate Longer: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better.

Use a Grill Pan: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a cast iron grill pan works great indoors.

Don’t Overcook Zucchini: Zucchini cooks fast. Grill until just tender to avoid soggy zucchini.

Even Slicing: Try to slice the zucchini and chicken into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Variations:

Protein Swap: Use shrimp, turkey breast, or tofu instead of chicken for a twist.

Cheese Options: Replace feta with goat cheese, parmesan, or shredded mozzarella.

Add Grains: Serve over a bed of quinoa, couscous, or farro for a heartier meal.

Extra Veggies: Stuff the zucchini boats with a mix of grilled veggies like red peppers, onions, or mushrooms for more color and flavor.

Spice it Up: Add a dash of chipotle powder or cayenne to the marinade for a spicier kick.

Make it a Bowl: Slice the zucchini into chunks instead of boats and serve everything in a grilled chicken & zucchini bowl.

Q&A:

Q: Can I bake this recipe instead of grilling?

A: Yes! Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, and the zucchini boats for 15–18 minutes until tender.

Q: How do I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

A: It’s already low in carbs! For strict keto, reduce the honey or replace it with a sugar-free honey alternative.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prep the zucchini boats up to a day in advance. Grill just before serving for best results.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?

A: Pair it with Mediterranean quinoa salad, tzatziki sauce, hummus, or pita bread.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

(Based on 4 servings)

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion:

The Mediterranean Zesty Grilled Chicken & Honey Lime Zucchini Boats is a perfect example of a fresh, flavorful, and healthy Mediterranean meal. It combines juicy, seasoned chicken with tender zucchini glazed in a honey-lime sauce, making it a nutritious yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, meal-prep idea, or summer grilling favorite, this recipe delivers bright flavors, high protein, and wholesome ingredients.

Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean on your plate!