Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe
Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for when you’re craving something light, fresh, and packed with flavor—Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles.
This dish is a healthy twist on classic pasta, using zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) as a low-carb, veggie-packed base.
Tossed with tender chicken, a bright lemon garlic sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, it’s a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Let’s get started!
What’s in This Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe?
This recipe is all about simplicity and fresh ingredients. Zucchini noodles are a great alternative to traditional pasta, offering a lighter option that’s still satisfying.
The lemon garlic sauce is light yet flavorful, with a tangy kick from fresh lemon juice and a savory depth from garlic.
Paired with juicy chicken breast and a touch of Parmesan, it’s a dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Zoodles:
- 4 medium zucchinis (spiralized into noodles)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make this healthy and flavorful dish:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Prepare the Zoodles
While the chicken is cooking, spiralize the zucchinis into noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant. Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Zoodles
Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss them in the lemon garlic sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the zoodles are just tender but still have a bit of crunch. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet with the zoodles and toss everything together. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: About 30 minutes
Serving
This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a light dinner or meal prep for the week. It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread if you like.
Calories
Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: About 250-300 calories per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
This dish is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great option for a healthy, balanced meal.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the zoodles: Zucchini noodles cook quickly and can become soggy if overcooked. Aim for just tender with a bit of crunch.
- Add veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the chicken and spiralize the zoodles ahead of time to make cooking even quicker.
- Use pre-spiralized zoodles: Many grocery stores now sell pre-spiralized zucchini noodles in the produce section for added convenience.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles recipe because it’s so fresh and flavorful. It’s a great way to enjoy a pasta-like dish without the heaviness of traditional noodles.
The lemon garlic sauce is light and tangy, and the chicken adds a satisfying protein boost. Plus, it’s a dish that’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!
