Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy Sesame Chicken
A light keto stir-fry featuring tender chicken breast and zucchini noodles tossed in a spicy sesame sauce for a quick low-carb meal. This asian fusion-inspired low carb (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, sesame oil, soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 3 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 stalks, sliced green onions
- 1 tbsp, toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 ounces thinly sliced chicken breast, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 3 spiralized medium zucchinis to the skillet and toss with the garlic-ginger oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini softens but remains slightly firm.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Toss everything for 2 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions and 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Sesame Chicken keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.