Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender chicken bathed in a bright lemon-herb sauce, served over zucchini noodles for a light, refreshing meal. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (low-carb), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs boneless chicken breasts, fresh lemon juice, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. Step 2: Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through. Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes while preparing sauce.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce reduces by half and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the sauce and stir to combine. Slice rested chicken and serve over 2 spiralized zucchini noodles, drizzling generously with the warm lemon-herb sauce.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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-Herb Chicken Breast 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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast 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-Herb Chicken Breast 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.

Is Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast with Zucchini Noodles low-carb?

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

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