Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini and Almonds
Tender chicken cubes paired with crisp-tender zucchini and toasted almonds, finished with a bright lemon finish for a satisfying keto main course. This american-inspired keto (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breast, medium zucchini, slivered almonds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 medium zucchinis sliced into 1/4-inch rounds and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but still holding shape.
- Step 3: Return chicken to skillet, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, and toss to coat. Cook 1 minute to heat through. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup slivered almonds and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini and Almonds 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 Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini and Almonds?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini and Almonds?
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 Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini and Almonds 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 Sautéed Chicken with Zucchini and Almonds 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit at my dinner party! The chicken was perfectly tender and the almonds added a nice crunch.
- ★★★★★
I'm so glad I tried this keto dish. It's healthy, delicious, and easy to make. Will be making it again!
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this dish are amazing. My family loved the zucchini and almonds combination. A new favorite!