Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry in a vibrant bowl with fresh vegetables

Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

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Why Make This Recipe

Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry is not just a delicious dish; it’s also light, nutritious, and incredibly easy to prepare. This recipe is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy a meal that feels indulgent but is packed with veggies and lean protein. Using zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta means you can cut down on carbs while still enjoying a satisfying dish. Whether you’re on a health kick or just looking for a quick and tasty dinner, this stir fry is sure to please everyone at the table.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

Directions:

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken to the pan, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

  2. Sauté Garlic:
    In the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

  3. Add Vegetables:
    Next, include the sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrots in the pan. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, or until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. This keeps the freshness of the veggies intact.

  4. Prepare the Sauce:
    While the vegetables are cooking, you can prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture into the pan with the veggies and stir well. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens a bit.

  5. Sauté Zucchini Noodles:
    In a separate pan, heat an additional tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté them for about 2 minutes. The goal here is to soften them slightly without making them soggy.

  6. Combine Ingredients:
    Once the zucchini noodles are cooked, combine them with the chicken and vegetable stir-fry in the large pan. Toss everything together gently to ensure it’s well mixed. The warmth of the chicken and vegetables will help the zucchini noodles absorb the flavors of the sauce.

  7. Garnish and Serve:
    Once everything is combined, it’s time to serve! Garnish your Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry can be served as a main dish by itself, thanks to the protein and veggies it contains. You can also pair it with a light soup or a fresh salad for a more complete meal. If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider serving it with chili flakes or hot sauce on the side for those who like to kick up the heat.

Another serving option is to offer it in bowls, allowing each diner to add their favorite toppings. Some popular choices include additional green onions, crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of sesame oil. This flexible serving approach makes it enjoyable for everyone.

How to Store Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

If you have leftovers of this zesty dish, storing them is quite easy. Allow the Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry to cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for about 2-3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or a bit more soy sauce to help keep the noodles from becoming dry.

For long-term storage, consider freezing the chicken and vegetable mixture without the zucchini noodles. The zucchini can become soggy when frozen. Instead, freeze the chicken stir-fry for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then sauté fresh zucchini noodles when you want to serve.

Tips to Make Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh veggies as they add a vibrant flavor and crunch to your stir fry. The fresher your ingredients, the more enjoyable your dish will be.

  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Zucchini noodles cook quickly. Sauté them just until they are tender to maintain their nutrient value and avoid a mushy texture.

  • Make It a Meal Prep Essential: This recipe is great for meal prep! Prepare larger batches to enjoy throughout the week. You can easily double the ingredients to serve a bigger crowd or to have ready-made lunches for the week.

  • Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add more honey. For a saltier flavor, increase the soy sauce slightly.

  • Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken with tofu. Cook it in the same way, ensuring it gets crispy edges for added texture.

Variation

While this recipe is delightful as it is, there are many ways to mix it up. Here are some variations to consider:

  • Protein Alternatives: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, beef, or tempeh for a change of flavor and texture.

  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to load up on more vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms. Adding colored vegetables not only enhances visual appeal but also boosts nutritional value.

  • Spicy Version: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, include diced jalapeños or a couple of extra red pepper flakes. You can also drizzle sriracha over the finished dish for an extra spicy kick.

  • Add a Nutty Flavor: Toss in some crushed peanuts or cashews while serving for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic chicken and stir-fried vegetables ahead of time. Just add the zucchini noodles right before serving so they don’t become soggy.

2. Are zucchini noodles healthy?
Yes, zucchini noodles are a low-carb, low-calorie alternative to traditional pasta. They are rich in vitamins and nutrients, making this dish a nutritious choice.

3. What can I serve with Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry?
This stir fry can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a side of steamed rice, a light soup, or a fresh salad for a more complete meal.

By following this simple and straightforward guide, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry that’s both healthy and satisfying. Happy cooking!

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garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry 2026 02 22 204054 1

Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

  • Author: lily
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
Print Recipe

Description

A light and nutritious stir fry made with spiralized zucchini noodles, chicken, and colorful vegetables, tossed in a savory sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup carrots, julienned
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, seasoning it with salt and pepper until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic to the same pan, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrots, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour into the pan with vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
  5. In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté zucchini noodles for about 2 minutes until slightly tender.
  6. Combine zucchini noodles with chicken and vegetable stir-fry in the large pan and mix gently to combine.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and don’t overcook the zucchini noodles to avoid a mushy texture.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken, zucchini noodles, stir fry, healthy, quick meal

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