Name: 25-Minute Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces; 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening); Salt and pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

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This 25-Minute Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry is the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, quick, and packed with flavor. The dish combines tender chicken, crisp zucchini noodles, and a savory garlic sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, this stir fry is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet filling meal. Plus, the zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional pasta, making this dish a great choice for those following keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets. You can have this dish on the table in just 25 minutes, making it a great option for meal prepping, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself to something nutritious and tasty. With only a few basic ingredients and a short cooking time, this stir fry is bound to become a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying dinner, perfect for those busy days when time is short but you still want something homemade and flavorful.

2. Low-Carb and Healthy

Zucchini noodles are a great substitute for pasta, making this stir fry a healthier alternative. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken and full of vitamins from the zucchini, offering a well-rounded, guilt-free meal.

3. Full of Flavor

The garlic sauce is the star of the dish, infusing the chicken and zucchini noodles with savory, aromatic flavors. It’s a simple yet flavorful addition that elevates the entire dish.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences by adding or swapping vegetables or proteins, making it adaptable to various dietary needs and taste preferences.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for preparing in advance. It stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping and ensuring you have a tasty and nutritious option ready to go throughout the week.

Ingredients

Chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
Zucchini, spiralized into noodles
Garlic, minced
Olive oil or sesame oil
Soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
Fresh ginger, grated
Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots for added color and texture.
Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of chili paste for a spicy kick.
Swap the Noodles: If you don’t have zucchini noodles, you can use other veggie noodles like sweet potato or spaghetti squash for a different twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and set aside. Slice the chicken into thin strips and mince the garlic and ginger.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive or sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Ginger

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Add the Zucchini Noodles

Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly but still maintain their crispness.

Step 5: Combine and Toss

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce or tamari, red pepper flakes (if using), and any additional seasoning. Toss everything together to coat in the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: Zucchini noodles cook very quickly. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become too soft and watery.
Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken works best in this recipe for flavor and texture. If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed.
Customize the Sauce: Adjust the amount of soy sauce or tamari to your taste, and consider adding a little honey or maple syrup for sweetness.

How to Serve

This dish is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables, brown rice, or quinoa for a more substantial meal. A squeeze of lime or a drizzle of toasted sesame oil on top adds an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stir fry in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. Stir until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini noodles?

Yes! You can substitute zucchini noodles with other veggie noodles like sweet potato, butternut squash, or even spaghetti squash.

2. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They are slightly more flavorful and juicy but will require a little longer to cook than chicken breasts.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and zucchini noodles ahead of time. However, it’s best to stir-fry the dish right before serving to ensure the noodles stay crisp.

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

6. How can I add more flavor to this recipe?

You can add more garlic, ginger, or even a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor. A splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil also enhances the taste.

7. Can I freeze this stir fry?

Yes, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it properly in a freezer-safe container.

8. Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles?

Absolutely! Store-bought zucchini noodles are a convenient option and will work perfectly in this recipe.

9. Can I add more protein to the dish?

Definitely! You can add shrimp, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a different protein source.

10. Is this dish suitable for keto or paleo diets?

Yes, this recipe is low-carb and suitable for both keto and paleo diets, especially with the zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

Conclusion

The 25-Minute Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry is the perfect quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With its delicious garlic sauce and nutritious ingredients, it’s an easy way to enjoy a low-carb, high-protein dish that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine. Enjoy!