Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender chicken breasts simmered in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce with spiralized zucchini for a light, satisfying meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs (5 oz) chicken breasts, olive oil, juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Cook chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, and 1/4 tsp sea salt, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add spiralized zucchini to the skillet and toss with the sauce for 3 minutes until tender but still firm, then return chicken to the skillet to warm through.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 (5 oz) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Zucchini Noodles?

Mediterranean 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.

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