Zucchini and Chicken 'Noodles' with Garlic and Herb Oil
Fresh zucchini noodles tossed with pan-seared chicken and a fragrant garlic-herb oil, offering a light and refreshing Whole30 meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs sliced thinly chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, spiralized into noodles (2 cups) zucchini
- 12 oz, sliced thinly chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped basil
- 1/4 cup fresh, chopped parsley
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz sliced chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the garlic oil for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Return chicken to the skillet, add 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to combine and heat through for 1 minute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini and Chicken 'Noodles' with Garlic and Herb Oil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Zucchini and Chicken 'Noodles' with Garlic and Herb Oil?
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 sliced thinly chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini and Chicken 'Noodles' with Garlic and Herb Oil?
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 Zucchini and Chicken 'Noodles' with Garlic and Herb Oil 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 Zucchini and Chicken 'Noodles' with Garlic and Herb Oil?
Mediterranean one pot 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.