Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry! It’s quick, healthy, and packed with flavor—perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something delicious. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish not only satisfies my cravings but also keeps things light and nutritious. I love how the zucchini noodles soak up all that garlicky goodness while the chicken stays juicy and tender. Trust me, once you try this stir fry, it’ll find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry. Grab these simple ingredients, and you’ll be halfway to a delightful meal!
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (because we love garlic!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!)
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together!
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry! I promise it’s super easy and satisfying. Follow my steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it smokes!
- Next, toss in the sliced chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re no longer pink. You want them golden and juicy—yum!
- Now, it’s garlic time! Add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Then, stir in those beautiful zucchini noodles. Cook them for 3-5 minutes, just until they’re slightly softened but still have a nice bite. Trust me, this is where the magic happens!
- Finally, add the soy sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Mix everything well, letting those flavors mingle for a minute.
- Serve hot, and enjoy every garlicky bite!
Remember, timing is key! Don’t overcook the zucchini; you want it to be fresh and vibrant. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a tasty meal, knowing the nutritional details can be super helpful! Keep in mind that the nutrition values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose, so these are just typical values for one serving of my garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
With its low-calorie count and high protein content, this dish is a fantastic choice for a healthy meal that keeps you satisfied!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Easy cleanup, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
- Packed with flavor from garlic and fresh ingredients.
- Healthy and low-calorie, perfect for guilt-free dining.
- High in protein, keeping you full and satisfied.
- Versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies!
Tips for Success
To make your garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein. If you can’t find zucchinis, yellow squash works great too! Remember to spiralize your zucchinis just before cooking; this keeps them fresh and prevents excess moisture. Also, keep your heat at medium to avoid burning the garlic—trust me, burnt garlic can ruin the dish! Lastly, feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch and flavor boost. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to tweak this garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry! For a different protein, try using shrimp, beef, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also mix in a rainbow of vegetables—think bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas—for added color and crunch. Feeling saucy? Consider drizzling in some teriyaki sauce or a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor. And if you love a bit of sweetness, toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of sweet chili sauce. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and find your perfect combo!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry, I recommend serving it alongside a light cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch. You could also pair it with a glass of chilled green tea or a crisp white wine to complement the flavors. Enjoy this meal as a complete and satisfying dining experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. You want to keep those flavors fresh!
Print
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry in 25 Minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A quick and healthy garlic chicken stir fry with zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in zucchini noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add soy sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, mixing well.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use a spiralizer for even zucchini noodles.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- This dish is best served immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic chicken, zucchini noodles, stir fry, healthy meal