Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Chicken
A light yet satisfying meal featuring zucchini noodles and herb-marinated chicken, ideal for the reintroduction phase after a Whole30 reset. This italian-inspired pasta (whole30) ready in about 22 minutes pairs chicken breast, medium zucchini, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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.
Ingredients
- 4 oz chicken breast
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice 2 medium zucchinis lengthwise into thin ribbons using a spiralizer, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: Pound 4 oz chicken breast to 1/2-inch thickness, then place in a bowl with 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1 tbsp fresh dill, and 1 tsp olive oil; rub to coat evenly.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Step 4: While chicken cooks, add the zucchini ribbons to the skillet with the juice of 1/2 lemon and 1 tbsp fresh dill; toss constantly for 2-3 minutes until zucchini is tender but still has bite (do not overcook).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (12 min prep + 10 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 Noodles 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 chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodles 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 Noodles with Lemon Herb 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.
Is Zucchini Noodles with Lemon Herb Chicken whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
