Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger Sesame Chicken
Tender chicken strips stir-fried with fresh zucchini noodles and a fragrant ginger sesame sauce for a quick keto meal. This asian-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, sesame oil, minced fresh ginger for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1 lb, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast, season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned; remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; toss everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and sauce coats the ingredients.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger Sesame Chicken 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 Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger Sesame Chicken?
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 thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger Sesame Chicken?
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 Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger Sesame Chicken 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.
Is Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Ginger Sesame Chicken keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.