Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic and zesty lime, served over fresh zucchini noodles for a light Whole30 meal. This whole30-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Whole30 cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet, tossing with garlic and cooking for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Toss gently to combine and warm through for 1 minute before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Lime 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 Sautéed Garlic Lime 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Lime 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 Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken 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 Sautéed Garlic Lime Chicken with Zucchini Noodles gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, low carb, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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