Quick & Irresistible Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Culinary magic happens when zesty chicken meets spiralized chicken zucchini noodles in this light, refreshing dish.

Ribbons of tender vegetables dance alongside lean protein for a meal packed with nutrients.

Weeknight dinners just got seriously delicious and incredibly simple.

Crisp zucchini strands absorb rich flavors while keeping the plate incredibly wholesome.

Nutritionists would totally approve of this smart, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta.

Summer ingredients shine in this quick recipe that feels both indulgent and healthy.

Dig into a plate that promises satisfaction without weighing you down.

Chicken Zucchini Noodles That Lighten Up Dinner

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this zucchini noodle chicken dish in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Low-Carb Health Hack: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, slashing carbohydrates while boosting vegetable intake and creating a lighter, fresher dining experience.
• Versatile Kitchen Hack: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or switching proteins like shrimp or tofu to keep meals exciting and adaptable.
• Effortless Cooking Technique: Master simple one-pan cooking method that minimizes cleanup, requires minimal cooking skills, and delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Zucchini Noodles with Chicken Layers

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main body of the dish, best when fresh and cut into uniform cubes.

• Zucchini, Onions: Fresh vegetables that create a light, nutritious noodle base, spiral-cut for better texture and quick cooking.

• Olive Oil: Adds healthy fat and helps prevent sticking, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens sauce and creates a smooth, glossy finish, can adjust quantity for desired consistency.
• Sauce Ingredients (not specified in original instructions): Likely includes elements for flavor and binding, such as soy sauce, garlic, or other seasonings.

Chicken Zucchini Noodles Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare Zucchini Noodles

Grab your freshly spiralized zucchini and gently press with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

This crucial step ensures your noodles won’t become soggy during cooking.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a wok over medium heat.

Carefully add cubed chicken pieces and cook for 3 minutes, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy tenderness.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

Toss in spiralized onions and continuously stir for 4-5 minutes.

Watch for translucent, soft onions that release a sweet, aromatic flavor.

Step 4: Integrate Zucchini Noodles

Add zucchini noodles to the wok and cook for 2 minutes.

The goal is to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant green color.

Step 5: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

Pour sauce into the wok, stirring thoroughly.

• Zucchini becomes tender
• Chicken is fully cooked
• Sauce slightly thickens

Step 7: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If sauce seems too runny, sprinkle a bit of cornstarch to achieve desired thickness.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Transfer immediately to serving plates.

Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds for extra flair.

Zucchini Noodle Chicken Tips That Work

• Use clean paper towels or a kitchen towel to squeeze out extra water from spiralized zucchini, preventing watery and soggy noodles.
• Cut chicken into uniform cubes for even cooking and faster preparation, ensuring each piece gets perfect golden-brown edges.
• Add cornstarch gradually to thicken sauce without creating lumps, stirring constantly to achieve the desired smooth texture.
• Stir zucchini noodles briefly to maintain their crisp texture and prevent overcooking, which can make them mushy and lose nutritional value.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for an extra burst of freshness and aromatic complexity to the dish.

Zucchini Noodles With Chicken That Return Perfectly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Place chicken zucchini noodles in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warm throughout.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Zucchini noodles become watery and lose texture when frozen, so consume fresh for optimal taste and consistency.

What Complements Zucchini Noodles

• Elevate Flavor Combinations
• Pair with crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the light zucchini and chicken's delicate protein profile.
• Boost Herbal Freshness
• Garnish with fresh basil or cilantro to enhance the dish's aromatic undertones and add vibrant green color contrast.
• Create Textural Balance
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender zucchini noodles and soft chicken.
• Enhance Dining Experience
• Serve alongside a small side salad with light vinaigrette to provide a tangy counterpoint and add more vegetable variety to the meal.

Zucchini Noodle Versions

• Keto-Friendly Option: Replace zucchini noodles with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil and skip cornstarch to maintain ketogenic macros.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Press tofu to remove moisture and marinate in sauce for enhanced flavor before cooking.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and verify cornstarch is pure corn-based without wheat contamination.
• Spicy Asian Version: Add sriracha or chili flakes to sauce for heat. Include sliced bell peppers and red chili pepper for extra kick and color variation.

FAQs

• Are zucchini noodles healthy?

Zucchini noodles are an excellent low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber while being extremely low in calories, making them perfect for weight management and health-conscious diets.

• Can I use frozen zucchini noodles?

Fresh zucchini noodles are recommended. Frozen zucchini noodles tend to release more water, making the dish soggy and diluting the sauce’s flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat completely dry before cooking.

• How can I prevent zucchini noodles from becoming watery?

Always pat zucchini noodles dry with paper towels before cooking. Cooking them quickly over medium-high heat helps reduce moisture and prevents them from becoming soggy or mushy.

• What protein alternatives work well in this recipe?

Shrimp, tofu, or turkey can easily replace chicken. Each protein option will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s overall nutritional value and texture.

Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken dances with spiralized zucchini noodles in this light, Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings fresh flavors to your plate. Crisp herbs and zesty lemon elevate this quick, healthy meal perfect for summer dining that you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast, cubed
• 4 small zucchini, spiralized
• 2 white onions, spiralized

Sauce Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot spiralized zucchini strands with paper towels to eliminate excess liquid, ensuring crisp texture.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious wok over medium-high temperature, gently introducing cubed chicken pieces.
3. Sauté chicken until golden and nearly cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to promote even browning.
4. Incorporate sliced onions into the wok, tossing continuously to prevent burning and develop caramelized edges.
5. Carefully fold zucchini noodles into the protein mixture, allowing them to become slightly translucent without becoming mushy.
6. Rapidly whisk sauce components in a separate container, blending flavors and creating a smooth consistency.
7. Stream sauce mixture over the sizzling ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and gentle coating of chicken and vegetables.
8. Simmer contents for 4-5 minutes, allowing sauce to reduce and thicken naturally while finishing chicken’s cooking process.
9. If sauce appears too liquid, sprinkle additional cornstarch and stir vigorously to achieve desired consistency.
10. Transfer steaming dish immediately to serving plates, garnishing with optional fresh herbs for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Pat zucchini noodles thoroughly with paper towels to eliminate excess water, preventing soggy texture and ensuring crisp, restaurant-quality results.
• Select fresh, firm zucchinis for spiralizing to maintain optimal noodle structure and prevent mushy consistency during cooking.
• Quickly cook zucchini noodles to preserve their al dente texture and prevent overcooking, which can make them watery and lose nutritional value.
• For low-carb or keto dieters, this recipe serves as an excellent pasta alternative, providing a nutritious and lighter meal option with minimal adjustments.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg