Spicy Chicken Zucchini Noodles
Spicy Chicken Zucchini Noodles combines the bold flavors of marinated chicken and the freshness of zucchini noodles, making it a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes.With a spicy, savory marinade and crisp zucchini noodles stir-fried to perfection, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients.Perfect for those on a keto or gluten-free diet, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit different spice levels.
Equipment
- 1 Spiralizer or Mandoline (for zucchini noodles)
- 1 Large skillet or frying pan
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Mixing Bowl (for marinating chicken)
- 1 Colander (for draining zucchini noodles)
- 1 Paper Towel (for drying noodles)
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 2 tbsp chili paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil for marinating chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 medium zucchinis spiralized or julienned
- 1 tbsp olive oil for stir-frying
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize or julienne the zucchinis to create noodles. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels to remove any water.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chili paste, minced garlic, lime juice, soy sauce, smoked paprika, ground cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.Add the chicken to the marinade, toss to coat, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer.Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Zucchini Noodles: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the zucchini noodles and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Noodles: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the zucchini noodles. Toss everything together to combine. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Marinate for Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Marinate it for at least 15 minutes, but up to an hour for best results.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the zucchini noodles for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice Variations: Adjust the chili paste to your preferred spice level. For a milder dish, reduce the amount or substitute with a mild hot sauce.
- Meal Prep: The chicken can be marinated ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The zucchini noodles should be prepared fresh to avoid excess moisture.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat in a skillet to avoid overcooking the zucchini noodles.