Pan-Seared Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Herbs

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

Crispy chicken breasts paired with fresh zucchini noodles and a fragrant herb-infused sauce for a satisfying, grain-free dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 32 minutes pairs (6 ounces each) chicken breasts, medium zucchini, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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: 20 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 chicken breasts (6 ounces each) dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 4 spiralized zucchini (medium) and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped basil, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Return chicken to skillet, toss to coat, and cook for 1 minute until heated through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (20 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Herbs?

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 zucchini from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Herbs?

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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Herbs 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Zucchini Noodles and Herbs?

American chicken 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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