Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Garlic Chicken

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

A light, anti-bloating stir-fry featuring tender zucchini noodles and herb-infused chicken, perfect for easing digestion during Whole30 transitions. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces chicken breast, ounces zucchini, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 342 calories and feeds 1, 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 1 Mediterranean cuisine 342 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 ounces chicken breast strips in the skillet, season with 1/4 teaspoon sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, spiralize 12 ounces zucchini into noodles. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat, add zucchini noodles, and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp, stirring frequently.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon fresh basil to the skillet, stirring to combine and warm through.
  5. Step 5: Toss the cooked zucchini noodles with the lemon herb sauce, then slice the chicken and arrange it over the noodles. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic 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 ounces chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Garlic 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Garlic Chicken?

Mediterranean whole30 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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