If you’re searching for a vibrant and healthy dinner that bursts with flavor and freshness, look no further than this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breast with crisp, colorful veggies and spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in a savory, garlicky sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness and spice. It’s a quick 30-minute meal that feels indulgent but sneaks in plenty of nutrients, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave something wholesome and satisfying without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to making this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe truly shine. Each item brings its own layer of flavor, crispness, or color, creating a harmonious dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil: Provides a rich, fruity base for sautéing and adds silky texture to the stir fry.
- 1 pound Chicken Breast: Lean protein that soaks up all the wonderful flavors; can swap with turkey or tofu to suit your preference.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Fresh and aromatic, garlic is the heart of this stir fry’s signature flavor.
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color; feel free to substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.
- 2 medium Carrots, julienned: Brings natural sweetness and crispness; zucchini or broccoli can be fun alternatives.
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Contributes a salty, umami punch; low-sodium versions keep things lighter.
- 1 tablespoon Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the savory and spicy notes—maple or agave syrup works well too.
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar: Introduces a subtle tanginess that brightens up the dish; apple cider vinegar or lime juice can be used instead.
- 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger: Delivers warmth and zest; ginger paste or ground ginger are handy substitutes.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to awaken the palate; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- 4 cups Zucchini Noodles: The star that makes this stir fry light and fresh; spiralize fresh zucchinis or grab store-bought zoodles for convenience.
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions: Optional fresh garnish that adds a mild bite and pop of green.
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds: Optional crunchy garnish for an extra layer of texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then stir-fry it until golden brown and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy and perfect for tossing later with the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in minced garlic and cook for about a minute until you can smell its fragrant aroma filling the kitchen. Next, add the red bell pepper slices and julienned carrots, stir-frying for 3 to 4 minutes so they soften just enough while retaining a pleasant crunch that makes every bite exciting.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Sauce
While your veggies are sautéing, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour this aromatic sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Let everything cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly—this melds all flavors into a savory-sweet-spicy harmony that defines the Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 4: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles
In a separate pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your zucchini noodles and sauté them gently for about 2 minutes until they turn tender but still have a little bite—this keeps the noodles from becoming soggy and preserves that light texture central to this dish.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Now, merge the zucchini noodles with the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture, giving everything a good toss to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Cook together for one more minute to marry all the delicious components and serve hot.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions and a handful of sesame seeds bring the perfect finishing touches. Not only do they add contrast and freshness, but they also elevate the dish’s visual appeal and texture, making it feel a bit more special each time you plate it.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even a crisp side salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe in edible lettuce cups or in hollowed-out bell peppers for a fiesta of flavors and colors. You can also use it as a nutritious filling for rice paper rolls for an exciting appetizer or portable lunch idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
While the zucchini noodles don’t freeze well because they can become watery upon thawing, you can freeze the cooked chicken, veggies, and sauce mixture separately. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the thawed mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, then quickly toss in fresh spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for a minute or two before serving. This keeps the noodles from getting mushy while still enjoying the full flavor of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other proteins in this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives that work wonderfully with the sauce and veggies. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer for zucchini noodles?
You can buy pre-spiralized zucchini noodles at many grocery stores, or simply slice zucchinis thinly into ribbons with a peeler as a quick substitute.
How spicy is this stir fry?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but you can reduce or increase the amount to suit your heat preference perfectly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based soy sauce to keep it vegan. The sauce and veggies are already bursting with flavor, so this switch won’t compromise taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe naturally fits into a gluten-free diet without sacrificing any delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe when you want something quick, nourishing, and packed full of vibrant flavors. It’s a dish that’s approachable for cooks of any level but impressive enough to become a regular on your meal rotation. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this fresh, healthy, and utterly tasty stir fry—you won’t regret it!
Print
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry is a healthy and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast with vibrant vegetables and zucchini noodles. Stir-fried in a savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and a hint of honey, it’s a quick and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (Can substitute with turkey or tofu.)
Vegetables
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Use fresh garlic for best flavor.)
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (Can substitute with other bell peppers or snap peas.)
- 2 medium Carrots, julienned (Can substitute with zucchini or broccoli.)
- 4 cups Zucchini Noodles (Spiralized fresh zucchinis or store-bought zoodles.)
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (Optional garnish.)
Oils and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can substitute with avocado oil.)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Opt for low-sodium for a healthier choice.)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Can substitute with maple syrup or agave syrup.)
- 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar (Can substitute with apple cider vinegar or lime juice.)
Spices and Others
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Grated Ginger (Can use ginger paste or ground ginger.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on spice preference.)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (Optional garnish.)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Stir-fry for about 5–7 minutes until chicken is golden brown. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Incorporate sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrots into the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes until tender but still crunchy.
- Prepare sauce and combine: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour over the vegetables and chicken in the skillet. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Sauté zucchini noodles: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2 minutes until they are tender yet firm to the bite.
- Combine all components: Add the zucchini noodles to the chicken and vegetable mixture, tossing well to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Cook together for another minute to meld flavors.
- Serve: Plate the stir fry in wide bowls or shallow plates. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute chicken with tofu and use a vegan honey alternative or maple syrup.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Spiralize your own zucchini for the freshest noodles or use store-bought zoodles for convenience.
- This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
