If you are craving a vibrant, healthy dinner that bursts with freshness and rich flavor, this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe is just the answer. It perfectly blends tender, garlicky chicken with crisp veggies and delicate zucchini noodles, creating a light yet satisfying meal that feels indulgent without any heaviness. The combination of savory soy sauce, a touch of sweetness from honey, and a hint of spice makes every bite a delightful journey. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting friends who love bold flavors, this stir fry will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that truly shine when combined. Each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color — fresh veggies for crunch and vibrancy, and pantry staples that elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced: Choose fresh chicken to ensure tender, juicy meat in every bite.
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized: Spiralizing zucchini turns it into light, healthy noodles that soak up flavors effortlessly.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a silky base for cooking and helps develop that lovely golden color on the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with its signature aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a pop of vibrant color along with subtle sweetness and crunch.
- 1 cup carrots, julienned: Offers natural sweetness and a satisfying texture.
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce: Brings that essential umami kick while keeping sodium in check.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances savory and spicy notes with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a gentle tanginess to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Lends warmth and an aromatic zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Offers just the right hint of heat without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped: Fresh green onions provide a sharp, refreshing finish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a toasty nutty crunch for garnish.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Tender Perfection
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Carefully add the perfectly sliced chicken strips, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir-fry the chicken until it’s cooked through and boasts a lovely light golden color, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the juiciness and sets the stage for the rest of the dish. Once done, take the chicken out and set it aside to rest briefly.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic
Using the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and gently sauté the minced garlic over medium heat just until fragrant, about one minute. This quick step lets the garlic release its magical aroma without turning bitter—a vital foundation for this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Colorful Veggies
Next, toss in the sliced red bell peppers and julienned carrots. Stir-fry the veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re starting to soften but still maintain a bit of crunch. Their bright colors and natural sweetness brighten the dish and create a satisfying texture contrast with the chicken.
Step 4: Whisk the Flavor-Packed Sauce
While the veggies cook, mix together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This perfect sauce blend brings together the sweet, tangy, savory, and spicy notes that make this recipe so addictive.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Veggies, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies, then pour the prepared sauce over everything. Stir so all components get beautifully coated and let it cook another 2 to 3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly and fuse those flavors.
Step 6: Sauté Zucchini Noodles to Tenderness
In a separate pan, heat the last tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for 2 minutes or until they reach that perfect tender-but-still-spiral texture that’s so enjoyable. Overcooked noodles can become soggy, so keep a close eye here.
Step 7: Toss Everything Together
Combine the tender zucchini noodles with the chicken and veggie stir-fry. Toss thoroughly so the noodles soak up the sauce and all the components meld seamlessly—a key step that makes this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe truly shine.
Step 8: Garnish and Finish
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These final touches add bursts of freshness and delightful crunch that elevate the presentation and taste to another level.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds bring not only visual appeal but layers of fresh, nutty flavor and texture. Feel free to throw in a few extra chili flakes if you want an extra kick of heat or sprinkle some fresh cilantro for a herby twist.
Side Dishes
This stir fry works wonderfully as a complete meal by itself, but if you’re looking to add some heft or balance it out further, serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or a simple cucumber salad. These sides complement the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe in large vibrant bowls or on a platter for sharing. For an elegant touch, garnish with extra sesame seeds and a lime wedge on the side. You can even stuff the stir-fry into lettuce wraps for a fun appetizer or light lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover stir fry cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an ideal quick lunch or dinner option for busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes reasonably well, although zucchini noodles sometimes soften upon thawing. To maintain texture, freeze the chicken and vegetable stir-fry separately from the zucchini noodles, then combine after reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the chicken tender and avoid overcooking the noodles. You can also microwave the dish covered, stirring halfway through, but the stovetop method preserves the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular noodles instead of zucchini noodles?
Absolutely! While zucchini noodles keep this dish light and low-carb, you can swap them for rice noodles, spaghetti, or even soba noodles if you prefer a heartier option.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that you can adjust to your liking. Feel free to reduce or increase the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add a bit more richness due to their higher fat content. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly and adjust cooking time as needed.
What can I substitute for soy sauce?
You can use tamari for a gluten-free alternative or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter, soy-free version. Both will work beautifully in this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. These swaps keep the delicious flavors intact while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Final Thoughts
Making this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe is like inviting a burst of fresh, bold flavors into your kitchen with every stir. Its ease and brightness make it an unbeatable dinner choice for any night of the week, and the flexibility means you can cater to all kinds of dietary preferences. Give it a try — once you taste this harmonious blend of garlicky chicken, crisp vegetables, and tender zucchini noodles, we bet it’ll become a cherished staple in your home.
Print
Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A flavorful and healthy Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry featuring tender chicken strips, vibrant vegetables, and low-carb zucchini noodles tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Sauces & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Make the sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over and stir well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients.
- Sauté zucchini noodles: In a separate pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for approximately 2 minutes until tender but still slightly firm.
- Combine everything: Add the zucchini noodles to the chicken and vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat the noodles with the sauce and mix all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Do not overcook zucchini noodles; they should remain slightly firm to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to keep the sodium content moderate.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
