Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Sesame Chicken

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

A low-carb stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast and zucchini noodles tossed in a savory sesame sauce, perfect for a keto-friendly dinner. This asian-inspired stir fry (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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 3 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz thinly sliced chicken breast, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 medium spiralized zucchini noodles and 3 tbsp soy sauce; toss and cook for 3-4 minutes until noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
  6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet; toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through and sauce coats the ingredients.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with 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 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 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 Sesame Chicken for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sesame Chicken keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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