Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts with aromatic lemon-garlic sauce served over zucchini noodles for a light, satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (whole30) ready in about 27 minutes pairs medium (spiralized) zucchini, olive oil, (zested and juiced) lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 boneless chicken thighs (6 oz each) dry. Season with 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Return chicken to skillet and simmer 2 minutes to coat. Serve over 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs 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 medium (spiralized) zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Lemon-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Zucchini Noodles whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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