Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry yet, you’re seriously missing out! This dish is like a cozy hug in a bowl—healthy, delicious, and oh-so-easy to whip up! I love making this on busy weeknights when I want something nutritious but don’t have tons of time to spend in the kitchen. The garlic really shines here, giving the chicken and zucchini a flavor boost that’s simply irresistible. Plus, with those zucchini noodles, you’re sneaking in those veggies without even realizing it. Trust me, once you get that garlic aroma wafting through your home, your family will come running to the table! It’s a perfect way to enjoy a guilt-free meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze for this garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure your garlic is nice and fresh—it’s the star of the show! And don’t worry if you’ve never spiralized zucchini before; it’s super easy and fun! You can find spiralizers at most kitchen stores or online. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Ready to bring this garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry to life? It’s super simple! Just follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Step 1: Heat the Oil
First things first, grab a large pan and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. This step is crucial because it gets the oil nice and hot, creating the perfect base for all those lovely flavors to come together. You want to hear that sizzle when you add the garlic—it’s music to my ears!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Once your oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Oh wow, the aroma that fills your kitchen is just heavenly! Sauté the garlic for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant and golden. You don’t want to overdo it, or it can turn bitter. This step is where the magic begins, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add in those sliced chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nicely browned on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re no longer pink in the middle—just make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
Step 4: Add Sauces
Now, it’s time to give your stir fry some depth of flavor. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing everything well. This is where you can customize to your taste—if you like it a bit saltier, add a splash more soy sauce. Just taste as you go, and adjust according to your preference!
Step 5: Incorporate Zucchini Noodles
Time to add those beautiful zucchini noodles! Toss them into the pan and give it a good stir. Cook for just 2-3 minutes—believe me, you don’t want to overcook them. They should be slightly tender but still have a nice crunch. Overcooking can turn them mushy, and we want that fresh bite!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, it’s time to season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a quick toss, and then serve hot! I love garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped green onions for that extra pop of freshness. Enjoy every delicious bite of this healthy, flavorful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick preparation time—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients that make you feel good inside and out.
- Loaded with flavor from fresh garlic and savory sauces.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.
- Low in calories but high in protein—great for those watching their diet!
- Customizable to fit your taste—add veggies or adjust the garlic!
- Using zucchini noodles means you’re sneaking in those essential veggies without sacrificing taste.
You’ll find that every bite is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a fantastic choice for your dinner table!
Tips for Success
I want you to nail this garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry every single time, so here are my top tips for success!
- Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two! Just keep in mind that too much can overpower the dish, so taste as you go!
- Choose Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For a healthier option, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. It still gives that delicious umami flavor without all the extra salt.
- Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: Remember, zucchini noodles need only a couple of minutes in the pan. You want them tender but still with a little crunch. Overcooked zucchini can turn mushy and lose that fresh taste.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas! Just make sure to add them at the right time so they stay crisp.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and good-quality chicken make a huge difference in flavor. Don’t skimp on quality; it really pays off!
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful stir fry and impressing everyone at your table! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this delicious garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry! It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
These values are estimates, so your specific numbers may vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients you use. But isn’t it great to know you’re enjoying a meal that’s not only tasty but also packed with protein and low in calories? It’s a win-win for sure!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often get, along with my answers:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! While this stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and spiralize the zucchini in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge, and then cook them up when you’re ready to eat!
Can I use regular pasta instead of zucchini noodles?
Sure! If you prefer traditional pasta, feel free to swap it in. Just keep in mind that it will change the carb content and the overall health profile of the dish. However, zucchini noodles are a fantastic low-calorie alternative!
What can I do if I don’t have sesame oil?
No problem at all! If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use a little extra olive oil or even a splash of peanut oil for a slightly different flavor. Just remember, sesame oil adds a unique taste that complements the dish beautifully!
How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
The trick is to cook them for just 2-3 minutes—any longer, and they’ll release too much moisture and turn mushy. Keep an eye on them to maintain that perfect crunch!
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! This dish is super versatile. Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so everything stays crisp and delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry, and now you’ve got some leftovers—great news! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy that tasty meal again.
First, let your stir fry cool down a bit, but don’t leave it out for too long—food safety first! Once it’s at room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep all those flavors locked in. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to get it in there quickly, so it stays fresh!
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. My favorite is to use a skillet on the stove. Just add a splash of water or a dash of olive oil to the pan and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your stir fry and stir it around for about 3-5 minutes until it’s heated through. This method helps retain that lovely texture of the zucchini noodles without making them soggy.
If you’re in a rush, you can also pop it in the microwave. Just make sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s hot all the way through. Just be careful not to overdo it, as microwaving too long can lead to mushy zucchini!
And there you have it! Proper storage and reheating ensure you can enjoy every last bite of this delightful garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry. Happy eating!
Print
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry: 6 Steps to Blissful Flavor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A healthy and flavorful dish featuring garlic chicken and zucchini noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken slices and cook until browned.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Add zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust garlic quantity according to taste.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
- Serve with chopped green onions for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic chicken zucchini noodles stir fry
