Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
A lean protein dish with fresh herbs and zucchini noodles to support sustained energy levels without blood sugar spikes. This whole30-inspired whole30 ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoons lemon juice, teaspoon minced fresh rosemary, teaspoon minced fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless, 6 ounces each chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon minced rosemary, 1 teaspoon minced thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to make the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 2 boneless chicken breasts in a shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and rub to coat evenly. Let sit for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high (375°F/190°C). Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting occasionally with reserved marinade.
- Step 4: While chicken grills, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 spiralized zucchini noodles, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still al dente, stirring frequently.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Zucchini Noodles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons lemon juice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Zucchini Noodles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken with Zucchini Noodles?
Whole30 whole30 like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.