Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles

$- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon butter - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) This dish shines with fresh ingredients. The zucchini noodles bring a lightness that pairs well with the chicken. Chicken breast adds protein and keeps the meal filling. The garlic infuses the dish with a rich flavor. For the seasonings, I love using olive oil and butter. They create a lovely base for cooking. Italian seasoning ties everything together, giving a burst of flavor. If you like some heat, add the red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without overwhelming the dish. Remember to have some fresh parsley handy for garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. Grated Parmesan cheese is a must for serving. It melts slightly on the warm noodles and enhances the overall taste. These simple ingredients create a wonderful meal that feels special yet easy to make. {{ingredient_image_1}} Spiralizing Technique To make zucchini noodles, use a spiralizer. This tool turns zucchini into long, thin strands. Start with washed zucchini. Cut off the ends, then twist the zucchini on the spiralizer. It’s quick and easy! Alternative methods if no spiralizer is available If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler. Just peel long strips from the zucchini. You can also use a box grater. Grate the zucchini for thin noodles. Both methods work well! Searing Techniques for Perfect Chicken For juicy chicken, use a large skillet. Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken. Let it cook without stirring for a few minutes. This helps it brown nicely. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-6 minutes. Importance of Timing when Adding Garlic Timing is key when adding garlic. Add it to the skillet after the chicken is golden. Cook the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. This way, it won’t burn and turn bitter. Integrating Zucchini Noodles with Chicken After cooking the chicken and garlic, lower the heat. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss them gently with the chicken and garlic. This helps mix the flavors well. Tips for Achieving the Right Texture Cook the zucchini noodles for only 2-3 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. If they cook too long, they can get watery. Keep an eye on them for best results! Achieving the Right Seasoning Balance To get the best flavor, use salt and pepper wisely. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper when cooking your chicken. Taste as you go. Add more if needed. The Italian seasoning brings a nice herbal note, so don’t skip it. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Just a little can make a big difference. Cooking Time for Al Dente Zucchini Zucchini noodles cook fast. You want them tender but not mushy. Cook for just 2-3 minutes after adding them to the skillet. Stir gently to mix with the chicken and garlic. Check for doneness by tasting a strand. It should be slightly firm. This keeps your dish light and fresh. Recommended Plating Techniques For a lovely presentation, use a shallow bowl. Start with a base of zucchini noodles. Then, layer the chicken on top. Drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. Finish it off with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This makes your dish pop on the table. Pairing with Side Dishes or Wines Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles pair well with a light salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works great. For a drink, try a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. It complements the garlic and chicken flavors perfectly. Enjoy your meal with these simple pairings to elevate your dining experience. Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchini: Look for firm zucchini without soft spots to ensure your noodles hold their shape during cooking. Don't Overcook the Zucchini: Cook the zucchini noodles just until tender to maintain a bit of crunch and prevent them from becoming mushy. Season in Layers: Season the chicken, then the garlic, and finally the zucchini for a well-rounded flavor throughout the dish. Experiment with Proteins: Try substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option that pairs well with the garlic and zucchini. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this dish for a new twist. - Using Shrimp or Tofu: Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. Just sauté it until it's pink, then follow the same steps for chicken. Tofu is a great plant-based option. Use firm tofu and cube it. Sauté until golden before adding the garlic. - Substitute for Chicken: If you don’t have chicken, try turkey or pork. Both work well. Just slice them thin and cook until done. This keeps the dish light and tasty. Changing the flavors can make this meal exciting. - Adding Different Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can change the taste. Add them at the end for a burst of flavor. You can also use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones. - Incorporating Vegetables: You can add bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them with the chicken and garlic. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrients. Mixing in different veggies keeps each meal fresh and fun. After making garlic chicken zucchini noodles, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty for up to three days. If you want to freeze the meal, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the dish for up to three months. However, zucchini noodles may become watery upon thawing. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat. This helps keep the noodles from getting mushy. Stir gently to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking. For serving leftovers, try adding fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese. This can brighten the flavors and add a fresh touch. You could also serve with a side salad for a complete meal. You can make zucchini noodles using a few simple tools. A knife works well. Cut the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips. This method takes a bit more time, but you get nice, flat noodles. A vegetable peeler is another option. Just peel thin strips from the zucchini. Keep peeling until you reach the seeds in the center. Both methods give you tasty noodles to use in your dish. Yes, you can use cooked chicken for this recipe. It saves time and reduces cooking. Just cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add it to the skillet after cooking the garlic. Heat it through for a few minutes. This way, you still get great flavor from the garlic and other ingredients. To keep zucchini noodles from getting soggy, do not cook them too long. Add them at the end of cooking time. Stir them gently for about 2-3 minutes. This makes them tender but not mushy. Also, use a large skillet. A wider pan helps moisture escape better. If you want, you can sprinkle a bit of salt on the noodles before cooking. Let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess water. In this blog post, we explored making garlic chicken zucchini noodles from start to finish. We covered key ingredients like zucchini, chicken, and garlic. We detailed step-by-step cooking methods to ensure your dish is tasty. Plus, we shared tips for perfect texture and seasoning balance. As you try this dish, remember the variations possible with different proteins and flavors. Whether it's shrimp or tofu, the choices make this recipe flexible and fun. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite!$

Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles

A healthy and delicious dish featuring spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with garlic and tender chicken.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
to taste grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

Start by spiralizing the zucchini to create noodles. Set them aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter.
Once melted and hot, add the sliced chicken breasts to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Reduce the heat to low and add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss gently to combine with the chicken and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the noodles are just tender but not mushy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Remove from heat and plate the dish. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Serve in a shallow bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a light drizzle of olive oil, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese on top for an elegant finish.

Keyword Chicken, garlic, healthy, quick meal, zucchini noodles