Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken Zoodles is a light, flavorful, and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a zesty lemon garlic sauce served over fresh zucchini noodles. This quick 25-minute recipe is perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free meal that balances vibrant citrus with savory Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and 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
Zoodles
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into zoodles
Garnish
- 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, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet. Add red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
- Cook the zoodles: Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss them in the lemon garlic sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the zoodles are tender yet still crisp, being careful not to overcook them to avoid sogginess.
- Combine chicken and zoodles: Return the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet. Mix everything together well and heat through for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchinis and spiralize just before cooking to prevent watery noodles.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest according to your preferred citrus tang.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat—omit if sensitive to spice.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the Parmesan cheese garnish.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately for optimal zoodle texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
