Lemon-Herb Chicken Skillet with Zucchini Noodles

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

A light, zesty weeknight meal featuring pan-seared chicken and veggie noodles. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs chicken breasts, zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add chicken, and cook for 6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to skillet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 spiralized zucchini noodles and cook for 3 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp chopped thyme. Toss for 2 minutes until heated through and coated.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Herb Chicken Skillet 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Chicken Skillet 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 Skillet 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-Herb Chicken Skillet 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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