Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

This chicken breast with zucchini noodles is a healthy and delicious dish that combines lean protein with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-25T18:55:05.659Z

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavors and nutrients. The zucchini noodles provide a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making it a great choice for a light dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Light and healthy, perfect for a summer meal
  • Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
  • Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced dish

A Perfect Summer Meal

As the warm weather approaches, light and refreshing meals become a staple in our diets. This Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles is the ideal dish for those hot summer days when you crave something delicious yet healthy. The combination of tender chicken and crisp zucchini noodles not only tantalizes your taste buds but also aligns perfectly with a health-conscious lifestyle.

Zucchini noodles, also known as 'zoodles,' are a fantastic alternative to traditional pasta, making this dish low in carbs while still maintaining that comforting feel of a classic Italian meal. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this satisfying dish in no time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the sunshine.

Quick and Easy Preparation

One of the best features of this recipe is its quick preparation time. In under 30 minutes, you can have a nutritious meal ready to serve, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests. The straightforward cooking process ensures that even novice cooks can create a delicious dish without feeling overwhelmed.

By utilizing simple techniques and fresh ingredients, you can create a gourmet experience right in your kitchen. The sautéing of garlic and zucchini noodles infuses the dish with flavor, while the perfectly cooked chicken provides a satisfying protein boost. This balance makes it a go-to recipe for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the joys of cooking is the ability to customize your meals to fit your preferences. This Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles is incredibly versatile; you can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or your protein of choice. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different seasonings or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for a colorful twist.

This flexibility allows you to adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs or the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you're looking for a low-carb meal or simply want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this dish can be modified to meet your goals while still being delicious.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Zucchini Noodles

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Make sure to wash and spiralize the zucchinis before cooking.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest.

Sauté the Zucchini Noodles

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the zucchini noodles. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender.

Serve

Slice the chicken and serve over the zucchini noodles. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Enjoy your healthy, low-carb meal!

Nutritional Benefits

This Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles is not only tasty but also offers numerous health benefits. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that helps build and repair muscles, making it ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle. Additionally, it is low in fat and rich in essential nutrients such as B vitamins and selenium.

Zucchini, on the other hand, is packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, which are important for maintaining good health. The dish is low in calories yet high in nutrients, making it a great option for weight management without sacrificing flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider serving this dish with a side salad topped with fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad complements the warm chicken and zucchini noodles perfectly, adding an extra layer of freshness to your meal.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful kick. Meanwhile, a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon can enhance the flavors and make for a well-rounded dining experience.

Storage and Meal Prep

If you're looking to meal prep, this dish is perfect for making in advance. You can cook the chicken and zucchini noodles ahead of time, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick meal.

For those who enjoy batch cooking, consider preparing a larger quantity and freezing portions for later. Just be sure to store the chicken and zucchini noodles separately to maintain their texture and flavor. This makes it easy to have a healthy meal ready at your fingertips, even on the busiest of days.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Yes, you can substitute zucchini with other spiralized vegetables like carrots or squash.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

→ Can I make this recipe in advance?

It's best to cook and serve immediately for the best texture, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles

This chicken breast with zucchini noodles is a healthy and delicious dish that combines lean protein with fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time25 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Healthy & Light

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 2 servings

What You'll Need

For the Chicken and Zucchini Noodles

  1. 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  2. 2 medium zucchinis
  3. 2 tablespoons olive oil
  4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
  5. Salt and pepper to taste
  6. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  7. Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 02

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest.

Step 03

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the zucchini noodles. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until tender.

Step 04

Slice the chicken and serve over the zucchini noodles. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 45g