Description
This quick and healthy stir fry combines tender chicken pieces with fresh zucchini noodles in a savory garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles (zoodles)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
- Place the spiralized zucchini noodles in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let them sit for about 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 5 minutes, gently squeeze the zoodles to remove any remaining water.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the diced chicken with minced garlic, minced ginger, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Zucchini Noodles:
- In the same skillet, add the zucchini noodles and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha sauce.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the zucchini noodles are still crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Garlic chicken, zucchini noodles, stir fry, quick dinner, healthy recipe