Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Herb Chicken
A refreshing, low-carb meal featuring tender chicken stir-fried with zucchini noodles and sun-dried tomatoes, delivering balanced energy without blood sugar spikes. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 32 minutes pairs boneless and skinless chicken thighs, medium, spiralized zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 390 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, boneless and skinless chicken thighs
- 4 medium, spiralized zucchini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 lb chicken thighs dry, then season with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 4 medium spiralized zucchini and 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, stirring for 3 minutes until zucchini softens but retains texture.
- Step 3: Return chicken to the skillet, add 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, and remaining 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss for 2 minutes until flavors meld and chicken is heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Herb Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 32 minutes (20 min prep + 12 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-Herb 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 medium, spiralized zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Herb 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-Herb 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.
What goes well with Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Lemon-Herb 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
