25-Minute Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

Looking for a quick and healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? Look no further than this 25-Minute Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry! This dish is the perfect combination of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and savory flavors, all in one fast and easy stir-fry. Zucchini noodles (or “zoodles”) take the place of traditional pasta, making this recipe light and low-carb, while still packing a delicious punch. The garlic-infused chicken is tender and flavorful, and the addition of bell peppers, onions, and a simple stir-fry sauce brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep option, this recipe has you covered—quick, healthy, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

With only 25 minutes from start to finish, this stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast, healthy, and tasty.

2. Low-Carb and Healthy

Using zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta makes this dish a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet, without sacrificing any flavor.

3. Packed with Flavor

Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a few other ingredients come together to create a savory stir fry sauce that coats the chicken and vegetables perfectly.

4. Full of Nutrients

Zucchini noodles and other fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions provide a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a nutritious meal option.

5. Customizable

You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste by adding different vegetables or using a different protein like shrimp or tofu. It’s a versatile dish that can be tailored to your preferences.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast (or thighs), sliced into thin strips
• Zucchini (spiralized into noodles)
• Bell peppers, sliced
• Onion, sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, minced
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Sesame oil (optional)
• Rice vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper
• Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Variations

• Different Vegetables: Feel free to add or swap in other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli for more variety.
• Different Protein: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different protein option.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
• Add Nuts: Add some toasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
• Spicy Version: If you like heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Spiralize the zucchini into noodles, slice the chicken into thin strips, and slice the bell peppers and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the bell peppers and onions, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and sesame oil (if using). Adjust the sweetness or acidity to taste, depending on your preference.

Step 5: Add the Zucchini Noodles and Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the zucchini noodles. Pour the stir-fry sauce over the mixture and toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, just until the zucchini noodles begin to soften but still retain some bite.

Step 6: Serve

Once everything is heated through and well coated in the sauce, remove from the heat. Serve the stir fry in bowls and sprinkle with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes (if using) for garnish. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Zoodles: Zucchini noodles cook quickly and can become mushy if overcooked. Keep an eye on them and only stir-fry for a few minutes to maintain their texture.
• Use a Large Pan or Wok: For even cooking, it’s important to use a large skillet or wok that can accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
• Marinate the Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the stir-fry sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

How to Serve

This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice if you prefer a more substantial meal. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for added flavor and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The zucchini noodles may release some water upon storing, but they will still taste great.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable stir-fry mixture (without the zucchini noodles) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet, adding fresh zucchini noodles when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles?

Yes, you can use traditional pasta if you prefer, but this will change the texture and increase the carb count of the dish.

2. Can I use frozen zucchini noodles?

Fresh zucchini noodles work best, but if you’re using frozen zoodles, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before adding them to the stir-fry.

3. How do I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based honey alternative.

4. Can I make this dish spicy?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes to the stir fry or drizzle some sriracha over the top for an extra kick.

5. How can I make the chicken extra tender?

For tender chicken, you can marinate it in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for 15-30 minutes before cooking.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms, for added flavor and texture.

7. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

8. Can I use a different protein besides chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different variations.

9. How can I make this dish lower in sodium?

To reduce the sodium, use a low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the salt in the recipe to your preference.

10. How do I keep the zucchini noodles from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy noodles, cook them quickly and avoid overcooking. You can also lightly pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before adding them to the stir-fry.

Conclusion

This 25-Minute Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry is a perfect go-to recipe for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. With a balance of savory chicken, tender zucchini noodles, and a delicious stir-fry sauce, it’s a dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste. It’s light, nutritious, and packed with bold flavors, making it ideal for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, this stir fry will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

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