Healthy Garlic Chicken Zoodles Stir Fry | JustWorthi

Healthy Garlic Chicken Zoodles Stir Fry

This Healthy Garlic Chicken Zoodles Stir Fry is a light, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini noodles, and a savory garlic sauce. It’s the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional stir fry, making it a great option for a quick and healthy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This stir fry is fresh, flavorful, and packed with protein while keeping things light with zucchini noodles. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes and is a great way to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal without feeling weighed down. Plus, the garlic-infused sauce adds an irresistible depth of flavor!

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

  • For the Chicken & Vegetables:
  • skinless chicken breast
  • olive oil or sesame oil
  • zucchini
  • bell pepper
  • snap peas or broccoli florets
  • cloves garlic
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • For the Stir Fry Sauce:
  • low-sodium soy sauce
  • honey
  • rice vinegar
  • sesame oil
  • cornstarch
  • grated ginger
  • For Serving:
  • sesame seeds
  • chopped green onions
  • Lime wedges

You’ll find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements below!

Cooking the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Making the Garlic Sauce

In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, then stir in soy sauce and red pepper flakes if using.

Stir Frying the Zoodles

Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and toss gently in the garlic sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.

Combining Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss with the zoodles until everything is well coated in the sauce. Cook for another minute to warm through.

Serving and Garnishing

Plate the stir fry and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Don’t overcook the zoodles—they should be tender but not mushy.
  • Marinate the chicken in a little soy sauce and garlic for extra flavor.
  • Use a spiralizer to make fresh zucchini noodles for the best texture.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
  • Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for extra veggies.
  • Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat to avoid soggy zoodles.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance.

How do I keep zoodles from getting watery? Pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking and avoid overcooking.

Can I use frozen zoodles? Yes, but thaw and drain them well before cooking.

What’s the best way to add more flavor? A splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice adds brightness.

Conclusion

Healthy Garlic Chicken Zoodles Stir Fry is an easy, nutritious meal that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is a great way to enjoy a low-carb, high-protein meal without sacrificing taste!

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Healthy Garlic Chicken Zoodles Stir Fry

Healthy Garlic Chicken Zoodles Stir Fry

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Healthy Garlic Chicken Zoodles Stir Fry is a light, flavorful, and nutrient-packed dish that replaces traditional noodles with fresh zucchini noodles. Tossed in a garlicky stir-fry sauce and loaded with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, this low-carb meal is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken & Vegetables:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
  • 2 medium zucchini (spiralized into zoodles)
  • 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup snap peas or broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger

For Serving:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and grated ginger. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Combine Everything

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss to coat. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the Zoodles

  1. Reduce heat to low and add the spiralized zucchini. Stir gently for about 1–2 minutes until just heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep the zoodles from becoming soggy.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with lime wedges for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Use pre-spiralized zucchini for a quicker meal.
  • If you prefer a heartier dish, mix in some cooked quinoa or brown rice.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but note that zoodles may release extra moisture when reheated.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: ~290 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
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