Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor, you’ll love this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe! This dish is one of my favorites because it combines tender chicken with fresh zucchini noodles and vibrant vegetables, all coated in a savory garlic sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but still satisfying. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for family gatherings or even meal prep for the week ahead!

What makes this recipe special is not only its amazing taste but also how simple it is to whip up. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delightful dinner on the table that everyone will enjoy. So let’s dive right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can have this meal ready in only 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic nights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good stir-fry, and the flavors will keep kids and adults alike coming back for more.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, this dish fits perfectly into any healthy eating plan.
• Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The garlic sauce gives each bite an irresistible taste that will leave you wanting seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create this tasty dish in your own kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Stir-Fry

• 2 large zucchini, spiralized
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauces

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Variations

This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways you can mix things up:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to throw in other colorful vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or broccoli.
• Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like heat!
• Try different sauces: Experiment with teriyaki sauce or a homemade peanut sauce for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles

Step 1: Spiralize the Zucchini

Start by spiralizing the zucchini into noodles. This step not only creates a fun texture but also gives you a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and thinly sliced onion. Sauté until fragrant; this step helps release those wonderful flavors that will be the base of your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the thinly sliced chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Browning adds depth of flavor while keeping the chicken juicy.

Step 4: Add the Bell Pepper

Toss in your sliced red bell pepper next. Cooking it for just a couple of minutes keeps it slightly crisp while adding sweetness to your stir-fry.

Step 5: Incorporate Zucchini Noodles & Sauce

Now reduce the heat to medium and add those spiralized zucchini noodles along with soy sauce and oyster sauce. Stir everything together well—this step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld while cooking until your zucchini noodles are tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles

Creating a delicious Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles dish is all about the details, so here are some pro tips to ensure your stir-fry is a hit!

• Use fresh zucchini: Fresh zucchini not only tastes better but also has a firmer texture, which helps the noodles hold their shape during cooking.
• Cook chicken in batches: If your skillet is crowded, the chicken may steam instead of sear. Cooking in batches ensures that each piece gets that beautiful golden color and retains its juiciness.
• Don’t overcook the zucchini: To maintain a nice crunch and vibrant color, aim for 3-4 minutes of cooking time for the noodles. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like carrots or snap peas. This allows you to personalize the dish to your taste and increase its nutritional value.
• Taste as you go: Adjusting seasonings throughout the cooking process helps you achieve the perfect balance of flavors. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to suit your palate!

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles

Serving Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles can be just as fun as making them! Elevate your presentation with these simple ideas.

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: A sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh, oniony crunch that complements the garlic flavor beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a nutty finish and a bit of crunch, enhancing both texture and flavor.
• Sliced cherry tomatoes: Adding halved cherry tomatoes gives a burst of sweetness and color that brightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: This nutrient-dense vegetable pairs perfectly, adding a lovely color contrast while being light enough not to overshadow the main dish.
• Quinoa salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and lemon dressing makes for a great side that’s both filling and healthy.
• Garlic bread: For those who love something crunchy on the side, homemade garlic bread adds delightful texture and flavor.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple mixed greens salad with olive oil and lemon dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the savory stir-fry.

Now you’re ready to whip up this flavorful meal! Enjoy every last bite of your Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles, whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it solo. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance and have delicious, healthy meals ready to go throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Although zucchini noodles can become watery when frozen, you can still freeze this dish for future meals.
• Let the stir-fry cool completely.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
• Stir occasionally until heated through—about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles.

Can I use other vegetables in Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute or add your favorite veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.

How do I ensure my Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles aren’t watery?

To prevent excess moisture, spiralize the zucchini and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. You can also sauté it briefly before adding other ingredients.

Is Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freeze it for later use.

How can I make Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles spicier?

If you enjoy some heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of your favorite hot sauce during cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe! It’s not only simple and quick but also brimming with flavor and health benefits. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite!