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Are you ready for a tasty twist on dinner? My Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry is a quick and easy dish that combines tender chicken and fresh veggies in one colorful bowl. With garlicky goodness and a satisfying crunch, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights. Join me as we explore the simple steps to whip up this delight, packed with flavor and nutrients. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Delicious: This stir fry is packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
- Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Using zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta offers a great low-carb option without missing out on the texture you love.
- Customizable Ingredients: This stir fry can easily be tailored to your taste preferences by swapping in different vegetables or proteins.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
– 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
These main ingredients form the heart of your dish. Chicken breasts provide protein, while zucchini noodles offer a low-carb alternative to pasta. Garlic and ginger add a punch of flavor, making every bite delightful.
Additional Vegetables
– 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
– 1 carrot, julienned
The colorful bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Carrots add a lovely texture and bright color to the dish. Together, these veggies enhance both the taste and visual appeal.
Cooking Essentials
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
– Sesame seeds, for garnish
Soy sauce gives a savory depth. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, while olive oil helps cook the chicken perfectly. Salt and pepper balance the dish, while green onions and sesame seeds make it look great. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a meal that is not just tasty but also pleasing to the eye.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
First, slice the chicken breasts thinly. This helps them cook evenly. Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper. This simple step adds great flavor. In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. This oil will make the chicken crisp and tasty.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Stir often until the chicken turns golden brown. This browning gives the chicken flavor. Make sure it is cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same skillet, pour in sesame oil. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these for about 30 seconds. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma. Next, add the sliced bell pepper and julienned carrot. Stir-fry these for 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften a bit but stay crisp.
Now, it’s time for the zucchini noodles. Gently fold them into the skillet. Stir quickly to mix them with the veggies. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This keeps the noodles warm but still slightly crunchy.
Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce and toss everything together. Heat it all for about 2 more minutes, mixing well. Your dish is now ready to serve!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Flavor
To get the best taste, start with salt and pepper. Season your chicken well. I usually add a pinch more salt than I think I need. Once the chicken is cooked, taste the dish. If it feels flat, add a little more soy sauce. This brings out the flavors of garlic and ginger nicely.
Cooking Techniques
Always use high heat for stir-frying. This keeps the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp. Heat your skillet or wok until it’s very hot. This way, the chicken will brown well. Avoid crowding the pan; it leads to steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches if needed.
Tips for Zucchini Noodles
To avoid sogginess, do not overcook the zucchini noodles. Cook them just enough to heat through. I like to add them last, after the other veggies. This keeps them firm and crunchy. Spiralize the zucchini just before cooking. This helps them stay fresh and bright.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and chicken for the best flavor and texture in your stir fry.
- Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: Keep the zucchini noodles crisp by cooking them just until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds crunch and enhances the dish’s presentation.

Variations
Protein Alternatives
You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice flavor. Use medium shrimp, peeled and deveined. Cook them until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Tofu offers a great plant-based option. Press and cube it, then cook until golden. Both options work well with this recipe!
Vegetable Additions
Feel free to add more veggies to your stir fry. Broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy can enhance the dish. You can also use mushrooms for an earthy taste. Just remember to cut them into small pieces. This way, they cook evenly and blend nicely with the zucchini noodles.
Flavor Enhancements
You can boost the flavor by trying different sauces or spices. Add a splash of teriyaki sauce for sweetness. A dash of chili flakes adds heat if you like spice. You might also try adding lime juice for a zesty kick. Experimenting with flavors makes each dish unique and fun!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry fresh, follow these tips:
– Let the stir fry cool down first.
– Place it in an airtight container.
– Store it in the fridge for up to three days.
– Label the container with the date, so you know when to use it.
Freezing Recommendations
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Here’s how to do it:
– Allow the stir fry to cool completely.
– Use freezer-safe bags or containers.
– Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
– Store in the freezer for up to three months.
– Remember, zucchini noodles may lose some texture when thawed.
Reheating Tips
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating correctly is key:
– Use a skillet over medium heat for best results.
– Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
– Stir frequently to warm it evenly.
– Microwave if you’re in a hurry, but don’t overcook.
– Ensure everything is heated through before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance. It works well for meal prep. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them separately. Keep the zucchini noodles fresh until you’re ready to eat. When you want to enjoy it, just heat everything together in a skillet. This way, the noodles stay firm and tasty.
What are the health benefits of zucchini noodles?
Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are low in calories. They provide vitamins A and C. They also have fiber, which helps digestion. Zoodles are a great option for gluten-free diets. They can help you feel full without high carbs. Plus, they add a nice crunch to your meals.
Can I use pre-made zucchini noodles?
Yes, using pre-made zucchini noodles is an option. They save time and effort. Look for them in the fresh produce section or the freezer aisle. If you use pre-made zoodles, check the cooking time. They may need less time in the pan. This can help keep them crunchy and fresh.
This blog post covered a simple and tasty stir-fry with chicken and zucchini noodles. We discussed the key ingredients and cooking steps to help you create a delicious meal. Remember, you can switch proteins or add more veggies for variety. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy the health benefits of this dish while trying different flavors. Cooking can be fun and easy with the right tips. Dive into your kitchen and give this recipe a tr
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry
A healthy and delicious stir fry featuring chicken and spiralized zucchini noodles, flavored with garlic and ginger.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 each bell pepper, sliced (red, yellow, or orange)
- 1 each carrot, julienned
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 each green onions, chopped, for garnish
- to taste sesame seeds, for garnish
Prepare the Chicken: Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the hot skillet, cooking until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same skillet, add sesame oil. Toss in minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add in the Vegetables: Add the sliced bell pepper and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they slightly soften.
Incorporate Zucchini Noodles: Gently fold in the spiralized zucchini noodles, stirring quickly to combine with the other vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the noodles are heated through but still crisp.
Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce, tossing everything together until well mixed and heated thoroughly, about 2 more minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, plate the stir fry, and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Feel free to add other vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword chicken, healthy, stir-fry, zucchini noodles
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