
Looking for a healthy, delicious, and quick dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor?
This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry is here to save the day!
With tender chicken, fresh zucchini noodles, and a savory garlic sauce, this dish checks all the boxes for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or simply need a quick dinner option, this one-pan wonder has you covered.
Let’s dive into the recipe and explore why this dish is bound to become a weeknight favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Low-Carb: Zoodles are a great alternative to traditional pasta, helping you cut carbs without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or switch up the protein to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the garlicky, savory goodness of this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this dish:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for extra flavor)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)
Stepy by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer, or use pre-made zucchini noodles for convenience.
- Mince garlic and, if using, grate fresh ginger.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Zoodles
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook the zoodles—they should be slightly tender but still have some crunch.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and zoodles, tossing everything together until well-coated.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry!
Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry
- Avoid Watery Zoodles: Pat your zucchini noodles dry with a paper towel before cooking to remove excess moisture.
- Don’t Overcook: Zoodles cook quickly—just 2-3 minutes is enough to keep them crisp-tender.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for brightness, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and zucchini make a big difference in flavor.
Variations and Add-Ons
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Protein Options: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef.
- Add More Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- Make It Keto-Friendly: Skip the honey and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a keto-approved dish.
- Add Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or cashews for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
While this dish is delicious on its own, here are a few sides that pair well with it:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
- Cauliflower rice or steamed jasmine rice if you need a heartier meal.
FAQ’s
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store the zucchini noodles separately and toss everything together just before serving to keep the zoodles fresh.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the zucchini noodles may release water as they sit.
What’s the best way to reheat zucchini noodles?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the zoodles soggy.
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry (25-Minutes)
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium zucchinis spiralized into noodles
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, for a touch of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger optional, for extra flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha optional, for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and pat dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
- Spiralize the zucchini using a spiralizer, or use pre-made zucchini noodles for convenience.
- Mince garlic and, if using, grate fresh ginger.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Zoodles
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook the zoodles—they should be slightly tender but still have some crunch.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the chicken and zoodles, tossing everything together until well-coated.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry!