Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles

$- 2 medium zucchinis (spiralized into zoodles) - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice and zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) To make Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles, you need fresh ingredients. Start with two medium zucchinis. Spiralizing them turns them into zoodles, which are a fun and healthy pasta substitute. You will also need one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast. This provides the protein that makes the dish satisfying. Next, grab three tablespoons of olive oil. This oil adds richness to the dish. You’ll want four cloves of garlic, minced finely. Garlic gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. Don’t forget the juice and zest of one lemon. This adds brightness and balance. You’ll need one teaspoon of dried oregano for an earthy note. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. Finally, chop a quarter cup of fresh parsley for garnish. If you like cheese, have some grated Parmesan ready for serving. These ingredients create a simple yet flavorful meal that you can enjoy any day. Each element works together to make your dish pop with taste and color. {{ingredient_image_1}} Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried oregano on top. This adds great flavor. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 8 minutes. You want it browned and cooked through. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. This step is key. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Keep an eye on it! Now, it’s time for the zoodles. Stir in the spiralized zucchini. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them soft but not soggy. Keep stirring gently to avoid overcooking. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Now, add the lemon juice and zest. Don’t forget the chopped parsley! Toss everything gently to combine. Heat it through for about 2 minutes. This blends all the flavors nicely. Taste your dish and adjust seasonings with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve it hot on plates. Garnish with extra parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This makes it look great and adds flavor too! To avoid mushy zoodles, use fresh zucchinis. Cook them briefly, just 3-4 minutes. This keeps them firm and tasty. A good spiralizer makes all the difference. I recommend the Paderno spiralizer. It’s easy to use and makes great zoodles. For juicy and flavorful chicken, cut it into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano before cooking. Heat the skillet well before adding the chicken. This gives it a nice brown color and keeps it tender. You can customize the flavors. If you like it a bit spicy, add red pepper flakes. For a richer taste, try adding more garlic or herbs. Taste your dish as you cook. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: For the best texture and flavor, choose firm, fresh zucchini without blemishes. Older zucchinis can be watery and mushy. Adjust Garlic to Your Taste: If you're a garlic lover, feel free to add more than the suggested amount. Roasted garlic also works beautifully! Perfect Lemon Zest: Use a microplane to zest the lemon for a fine, fragrant zest that will infuse your dish with vibrant lemon flavor. Customize Your Protein: This recipe isn't limited to chicken; try shrimp or tofu for a different protein option that works wonderfully with the zoodles! {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté them in the skillet until pink. Tofu is a great option for a vegetarian dish. Use firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and sauté it until golden. Both options keep your meal tasty and fun. Feel free to add more veggies to your zoodles. Bell peppers, spinach, and cherry tomatoes work well. They add color and crunch. You can also toss in broccoli florets or asparagus for a nice twist. Just make sure to cook them until they are tender but still bright. If you want to change the sauce, try a creamy version. You can mix in some heavy cream or Greek yogurt for richness. For a low-carb option, use a simple olive oil and lemon juice mix. This keeps the dish light and fresh. Each sauce brings its own flavor and makes your meal special. After enjoying Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles, store any leftovers to keep them fresh. First, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the chicken and zoodles separately. This helps avoid sogginess. Use freezer-safe bags and remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat your Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles, use the stovetop for best results. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Place the leftovers in the skillet and stir gently. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until heated through. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the zoodles watery. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal again! Zoodles are noodles made from zucchini. You can spiralize the zucchini using a simple tool. These noodles are low in carbs and calories, making them a great choice for many diets. They add a fresh taste and a nice crunch to meals. Plus, they are high in vitamins and minerals. You get the benefits of veggies without feeling heavy. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and zoodles separately. Store them in airtight containers. When you are ready to eat, just heat them up. You can also make the zoodles a day before. Just keep them dry to avoid sogginess. This makes meal prep easy and quick. To ensure chicken is safe to eat, check its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The chicken should be white inside, not pink. If you cut into it and juices run clear, that’s a good sign. These tips help you cook perfectly juicy chicken every time. This blog post shared a simple and tasty recipe using zoodles and chicken. We covered the required ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your dish, and variations to try. Whether using shrimp or tofu, there are many ways to enjoy this meal. Store leftovers properly for easy meals later. By using these tips, you can create a flavorful dish that delights. Enjoy making this recipe and experimenting with your own twist!$

A healthy and delicious dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles with chicken, garlic, and lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis (spiralized into zoodles)
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole lemon (juice and zest)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
optional Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the spiralized zoodles and cook for about 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the lemon juice, zest, and chopped parsley. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with more parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Grated Parmesan cheese is optional for serving.

Keyword chicken, garlic, healthy, lemon, zoodles