Healthy Easy Zucchini Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken and zucchini noodles tossed with vegetables in a flavorful Asian-inspired stir fry.

# What You Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
03 - 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

→ Sauce

09 - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
10 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch, optional for thickening
14 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional for heat

→ Oil & Seasonings

15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil or neutral cooking oil
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How-To:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, cornstarch if using, and chili flakes. Set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, and onion. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add carrots and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until just tender.
05 - Add zucchini noodles and stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften while avoiding overcooking to prevent sogginess.
06 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat and slightly thicken.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like takeout but won't leave you feeling sluggish afterward.
  • The whole thing comes together faster than you'd expect, perfect for weeknights when you're tired but hungry.
  • That savory-sweet sauce is addictive enough that even people skeptical about zucchini noodles ask for seconds.
02 -
  • Do not overcook the zucchini noodles—seriously, the moment they start to soften, they're done, or they'll release all their water and turn the whole dish soggy.
  • Slice your chicken as thin as you can because thicker pieces won't cook through in the time the recipe allows, leaving you with undercooked centers.
03 -
  • Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking because once the pan gets hot, there's no time to chop while things are cooking.
  • Use a wok if you have one—its shape and high heat make stir-frying easier and faster, though a large skillet works just fine.
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