Okay, so, weeknights, right? They’re *crazy*. I’m always scrambling for something fast but still, like, not terrible for me. That’s how this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry became my absolute go-to! Seriously, if I can’t think of anything else, this is it. What I love most is that it feels kinda fancy, but it’s secretly super healthy and low-carb. I even got my picky teenager to eat it (a win!).
I actually stumbled upon this recipe when I was trying to use up a ton of zucchini from my garden. I was so over zucchini bread, haha. I figured, why not try it with chicken and a stir-fry sauce? And wow, it was amazing! Now, I make it all the time. It’s seriously the easiest and tastiest way to get a healthy dinner on the table in, like, no time. Trust me, you NEED this in your life.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry
Okay, so seriously, why *won’t* you love it? This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry is:
- Super quick – ready in minutes!
- Easy peasy to make (promise!)
- Packed with flavor (garlic…yum!)
- Healthy and low-carb (winning!)
- Basically a one-pan wonder (less cleanup? Yes, please!)
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this ridiculously easy Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry. I always try to have most of this stuff on hand, ’cause you never know when a stir-fry craving will hit!
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1 inch)
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles (or use a veggie peeler if you’re feeling old-school!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (I’m a garlic fiend, so sometimes I add even *more*!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (I use low-sodium!)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (this stuff is KEY for that authentic flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (fresh is best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I love the kick!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish (pretty and adds a nice crunch!)
How to Prepare Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, people, let’s get cooking! This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry is so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and dinner will be on the table before you know it. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!
Preparing the Chicken for Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry
First, grab your biggest skillet or wok. Crank that heat to medium-high and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering (careful, it splatters!), toss in your chicken. Season it with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Cook it until it’s browned and cooked all the way through. We don’t want any pink in there, folks!
Adding Aromatics to Your Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry
Now for the good stuff! Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about a minute, until you can really smell that garlicky goodness. Just be careful not to burn the garlic – burnt garlic is *not* a good flavor! Trust me, that’s a mistake you only make once.
Combining Zucchini Noodles for the Garlic Chicken Stir-fry
Alright, almost there! Add your zucchini noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them – I highly recommend it!). Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes, until the zucchini noodles are tender-crisp. You don’t want them mushy! They should still have a little bite to them. That’s it! You did it!
Tips for the Best Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry
Okay, listen up! Wanna make this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry *perfect* every time? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way. First, and this is HUGE: don’t overcook those zucchini noodles! Seriously, they go from perfect to mush in, like, seconds. Keep an eye on them! Also, taste as you go! The amount of soy sauce you need might vary depending on the brand, so adjust to your liking. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with a little squirt of lime juice at the end – it really brightens up the flavors!
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry, right? Awesome! But what if you’re feeling a little…adventurous? Don’t worry, this recipe is super easy to customize! My favorite thing to do is toss in whatever veggies I have wilting in the fridge – bell peppers, broccoli florets, even sliced carrots work great. And hey, if you’re not feeling chicken, shrimp or tofu are amazing substitutes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Oh! And for a real kick, try adding a little sriracha or chili garlic sauce. So good!
FAQ About Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things I get asked *all* the time about this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry. Hopefully, this clears things up!
Can I use regular noodles instead of zucchini noodles in this Garlic Chicken Stir-fry?
Totally! But just know the texture will be different. Zucchini noodles are, well, kinda soft. Regular noodles will have more of a bite. If you’re going that route, try rice noodles or even spaghetti!
How do I prevent my Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry from being watery?
Ah, the dreaded watery stir-fry! The key is not to overcrowd the pan. And cook those zucchini noodles FAST! High heat is your friend here.
Is this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yep, it works! But I’d suggest storing the noodles separately if you can. Otherwise, they might get a little soggy. Just reheat everything together when you’re ready to eat. Still tastes great!
Nutritional Information for Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry
Okay, so here’s the deal: nutrition info can vary *a lot*, depending on the brands you use and how big your chicken breasts are, you know? So, this is just an estimate, okay?
Enjoy Your Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry!
And that’s it! Seriously, wasn’t that easy? I hope you love this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir-fry as much as I do! Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Share it with your friends, too – they’ll thank you!
Print
Devour Amazing Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles in 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Quick and easy garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir-fry. A healthy and flavorful meal ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add zucchini noodles, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until zucchini noodles are tender-crisp.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds.
Notes
- Adjust soy sauce and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots.
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg