Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles is a light and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant zucchini noodles. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal, this recipe is packed with bright lemon flavor and a hint of garlic.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken slices until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the lemon juice, and toss everything together to combine and heat through.
6. Step 6: Serve the lemon garlic chicken zoodles on plates, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Swap zucchini noodles for spaghetti or any pasta if you prefer a more traditional dish.
• Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
• Use crushed red pepper flakes sparingly to adjust the heat level to your taste.

Storage

Store leftover lemon garlic chicken zoodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles and making them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before slicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Are zoodles healthy?

Zoodles are a low-carb, low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta, packed with vitamins and fiber from zucchini, making them a nutritious choice for many diets.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 73 reviews

A healthy, low-carb dish featuring tender sautéed lemon garlic chicken served over fresh, lightly cooked zucchini noodles (zoodles). This quick and flavorful meal combines bright lemon juice, savory garlic, and optional Parmesan cheese for a delicious and satisfying dinner anytime.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Zoodles and Sauce

• 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to infuse flavor before cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken slices and sauté until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Zoodles: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but still hold some crunch.
4. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zoodles. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and toss everything together gently to combine all the flavors.
5. Serve: Plate the lemon garlic chicken zoodles, then garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Do not overcook the zoodles to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
• Parmesan cheese and fresh basil are optional but add an extra layer of flavor and freshness.
• This dish is low-carb and gluten-free, perfect for light, healthy meals.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright citrus flavor.

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, zoodles, zucchini noodles, low carb dinner, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken skillet