Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
A light and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breast served over spiralized zucchini noodles, drizzled with a flavorful sauce.
This dish combines the lean protein of chicken with the fresh taste of zucchini, making it a nutritious option for any meal. Perfect for those looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light and refreshing alternative to traditional pasta dishes
- Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables
- Quick and easy to prepare for weeknight dinners
- Versatile: customize with your favorite herbs and spices
A Wholesome Meal
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, making it an ideal choice for a healthy meal. When paired with zucchini noodles, you not only lower the calorie count but also boost your vegetable intake. Zucchini is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. This dish allows you to enjoy a satisfying meal without the heaviness that comes with traditional pasta.
The spiralized zucchini noodles provide a fun twist to your plate while offering a delightful texture. They cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making them the perfect base for your chicken. This dish is a wonderful way to sneak in more vegetables into your diet, especially for those who may not enjoy eating them on their own.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
One of the best things about this Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles recipe is its simplicity. With a preparation time of under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The straightforward cooking method allows you to focus on enjoying your meal rather than fussing over complicated techniques.
In addition, this recipe is easily customizable. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to the zucchini noodles for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also switch up the seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this dish a versatile option for any family dinner.
Serving Suggestions
When serving Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles, presentation can elevate your meal. Consider garnishing with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a fresh zing when squeezed over the dish just before eating. Consider pairing it with a light salad or a glass of white wine to complement the flavors.
For those looking to make the dish a bit heartier, you might serve it alongside a slice of whole-grain bread. This can help soak up any leftover sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal. Whether you're dining alone or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Zucchini Noodles
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Make sure to spiralize the zucchini just before cooking to keep it fresh and crunchy!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Cook the Zucchini Noodles
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the spiralized zucchini. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix chicken broth and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the zucchini noodles and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add chopped parsley just before serving.
Serve
Slice the chicken breasts and serve them over the zucchini noodles. Drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
This dish is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture!
Nutritional Benefits
This Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken breast provides an excellent source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Zucchini, on the other hand, is low in calories and high in water content, making it a great option for hydration and maintaining a healthy weight.
Adding ingredients like olive oil and Parmesan cheese can enhance the flavor while delivering healthy fats and calcium. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Together, these components create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both hunger and nutritional needs.
Storage and Meal Prep
If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to keep the chicken and zucchini noodles separate to maintain their textures. When reheating, you can quickly warm them in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep everything moist.
For meal prepping, consider preparing the chicken and zucchini noodles in advance and storing them in individual containers. This makes it easy to grab a healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week. You can also experiment with different sauces or seasonings to keep your meal prep exciting and flavorful.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and noodles separately and reheat before serving. However, it's best to prepare the zucchini noodles fresh to maintain their texture.
→ Can I use another type of protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a vegetarian option.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet on low heat.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it uses zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles
A light and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breast served over spiralized zucchini noodles, drizzled with a flavorful sauce.
Created by: Marina Lowe
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Zucchini Noodles
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from skillet and let rest.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and the spiralized zucchini. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until just tender. Season with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix chicken broth and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the zucchini noodles and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add chopped parsley just before serving.
Slice the chicken breasts and serve them over the zucchini noodles. Drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 40g