Zucchini and Chicken 'Noodles' with Garlic and Herb Oil

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

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

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.

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