If you’re craving a meal that feels light, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean vibes, you’re about to fall in love with this Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe. It combines tender pieces of juicy chicken with vibrant zucchini noodles, all enveloped in a fragrant garlic-lemon sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish is a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something quick yet impressive, healthy but still wildly satisfying. The zoodles add a refreshing crunch and keep things gluten-free and low-carb, making this recipe a true winner in every way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the fresh zestiness of lemon to the comforting warmth of garlic, these staples come together in a way that’s simple but absolutely essential.
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into zoodles: The star veggie that gives this dish its light, crisp texture and a healthy twist.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that soaks up the lemon garlic sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness while preventing the chicken from sticking and keeps everything silky.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced): Brightens the dish with its tangy, fresh notes and adds depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base that gently simmers and marries all flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A hint of heat to balance the lemon’s acidity and lift the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving): Adds a salty, creamy finish that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning essentials to enhance every ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs that add a pop of color and brightness in every bite.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken bites, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Don’t rush this step; the golden color locks in flavor and gives your chicken that perfect sear. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest, so the juices stay locked in for juicy bites ahead.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, warming it gently before tossing in your minced garlic. Stir and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen with that wonderful garlicky scent. Be careful not to let it burn! This step is so important as the garlic creates the foundation for the whole sauce, adding warmth and complexity.
Step 3: Simmer the Lemon Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken broth along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the bright, zesty lemon peel. Add in the optional red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Let everything simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes so that the lemon’s brightness balances the richness of the broth. This creates a light, tangy sauce that perfectly coats the zoodles and chicken later on.
Step 4: Cook the Zoodles
Now, toss in your spiralized zucchini noodles directly into the skillet. Stir them around in the lemon-garlic sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are tender but still have a delightful crispness. Zoodles cook super fast, so keep an eye on them to avoid sogginess, which keeps the texture invigorating and fresh.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Back
Return the cooked chicken pieces to your skillet and stir everything together, letting the flavors mingle and warming the chicken through for a minute or two. Taste and adjust your seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed — this final step ensures a balanced and flavorful dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top, allowing that salty, herbaceous pop to complete the Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe. These final touches transform the dish from simple to spectacular, inviting you to dig in right away!
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this recipe so effortlessly. Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herbal brightness, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese lends a creamy, umami kick that melts delightfully over warm chicken and zoodles. For a little extra zing, a few red pepper flakes do the trick beautifully.
Side Dishes
Though this dish shines on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread can round out your meal perfectly. Light roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa salad also complement the freshness of the zoodles without overpowering the lemony garlicky sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe in shallow bowls for a rustic, casual vibe, or plate it elegantly on warmed white dishes for guests. For a fun twist, garnish each serving with a lemon wedge and extra parsley so everyone can add a personalized touch of brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because zucchini noodles release moisture, the texture might soften, but reheating gently on the stove can help them retain some bite.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the delicate texture of zucchini noodles, which tend to become watery and mushy after thawing. For best results, prepare fresh whenever you’re in the mood for this delightful meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid overcooking the zoodles. Adding a splash of chicken broth or olive oil can help refresh the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables instead of zucchini for the zoodles?
Absolutely! While zucchini is classic, you can substitute with spiralized yellow squash or even carrots for a slightly different flavor and sweetness. Just keep cooking times short to maintain texture.
Is this Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this dish is naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto diets, as zucchini noodles are an excellent low-carb alternative to pasta, and the dish uses healthy fats from olive oil and lean protein.
Can I make this recipe without chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that broth adds more depth and richness to the sauce.
How can I make the chicken extra tender?
Marinating the chicken briefly with a bit of lemon juice and olive oil before cooking can help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor, though it’s not necessary for great results.
Is Parmesan cheese necessary?
Parmesan cheese adds a lovely savory note and creaminess, but it’s entirely optional. You can skip it or substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly option.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again because it’s fresh, fast, and full of flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner or impressing friends with your cooking chops, this recipe is a delightful, wholesome option that never disappoints. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight meal!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles recipe featuring tender chicken breast cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, tossed with fresh spiralized zucchini noodles. This low-carb, flavorful dish is perfect for a light weeknight dinner and can be prepared in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into zoodles
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, along with the optional red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Cook the zoodles: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss them gently in the lemon garlic sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are tender but still retain a slight crispness.
- Combine chicken and zoodles: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Mix everything well and heat through for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Season and garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use a vegetable peeler or spiralizer to make fresh zucchini noodles.
- Serve immediately as zucchini noodles can become soggy if overcooked or left sitting.
- Parmesan cheese is optional; omit for a dairy-free version.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days but zucchini noodles are best fresh.
