Easy Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats with red chili sauce and melted cheese. A 30 minute meal that’s gluten free, low carb, high protein and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Well currently I am sitting in my bed in excruciating pain.

I got home from church this morning with the kids. Mike had to stay for the second service to help. When I got home, I made lunch, fed all my people and then started to pick up a little bit around the house. As I was bending down by Maddie to pick something up …

Pop.

Close-up view of a pan of Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats topped with avocado, red onion, sour cream and fresh herbs

I felt something in my lower back pop and then came the excruciating pain came in like a flood. So much so that I actually fell down to the ground on all fours. But then quickly realized that position didn’t feel good either. I didn’t know what else to do except try to lay down. I slowly crawled over to the couch and pulled myself up to lay down.

It was just me and the kids at home. Cason was looking at me concerned because my eyes are filled with tears and all I could keep saying was, “ouch. ouch. ouch.” And all he’s saying to me is, “mommy are you ok? what happened?

As soon as I got on the couch I took a couple deep breathes. Called Mike and just said. “I need you. I did something to my back.” He responded “Ok. I’m coming. I need to leave.”

 

Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats in a pan before baking with and without cheese

Guys. I’ve been around people who’ve had back problems before, but I’ve never experienced the back pain.

I have a whole new respect for people with back issues. If I’m being honest, when Mike had back problems I thought he was being a typical guy and just milking it.

 

It’s no joke! I literally can’t move without pain. And just like your core, you use your back for just about everything too. Even laying down hurts!

I guess the good news is it allows me to sit and work on my computer. haha
Because I do have a lot of work to catch up on. Namely, writing posts and getting things ready for the fall, the holiday months and some exciting stuff I have coming at you after the new year!

Anything in particular you guys want to see for the holidays? Recipes you want to see revamped or “healthified?” Shoot me a quick email!

Top view of Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats in a baking dish topped with avocado, red onion, sour cream, and fresh herbs

Alright, on to todays recipe –> these EASY CHICKEN ENCHILADA ZUCCHINI BOATS.

 

Here are a few tips to ensure you have awesome Zucchini Boats every time:
Use a spoon to scoop out the inside.
When I scoop I almost make the zucchini look like they are canoes. There is a side so the filling doesn’t fall out and a hole so you have a place to put all the delicious filling.
Don’t par cook the zucchini! Cook them raw with the filling inside. This will ensure they don’t turn to mush. The finished product is a slightly cooked with a nice crunch to it. You’ll love it.

Once you’ve mastered the zucchini boat process the possibilities are endless! Pick a protein, a sauce, top it with cheese and some of your favorite toppings and you’ve got a winner!

Enchiladas are always a hit in my house. Or at least the flavors are.. they aren’t a hit for me because I HATE … no … loathe rolling them. These Chicken Enchilada Zucchini Boats solve my “rolling woes.” All I have to do is shred the chicken, add the enchilada sauce top it with cheese and I’m done.

This meal comes together in minutes. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, less than 200 calories a serving and high on delicious flavors. 🙂 It’s the perfect quick weeknight meal and guaranteed to be a hit with the fam.

By joyfulhealthyeats