Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Fast, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

This quick stir fry turns zucchini noodles and lean chicken into a light, satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. It’s built for busy nights when you want something healthy without fuss. Prep the veggies while the chicken cooks to shave time. If you like fast, crowd-pleasing meals, this one will be a go-to in your rotation. For more speedy mains try this speedy chicken recipes for variety.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish balances speed, flavor, and clean ingredients so you get a restaurant-style meal at home quickly. Thinly sliced chicken cooks evenly and fast, which keeps the total cook time low. Spiralized zucchini replaces heavier carbs but holds up when briefly sautéed. The simple sauce of soy, honey, and rice vinegar gives a sweet-savory hit without complicated steps. Ginger and red pepper flakes add a bright pop and a touch of heat that wakes up the whole plate. Because most work happens in two pans, cleanup stays minimal and you can multitask easily.

Flavor and Texture

The chicken becomes tender with a light golden edge that contrasts nicely with crisp-tender bell pepper and carrots. Zucchini noodles stay slightly firm when sautéed just a couple minutes, avoiding sogginess. The soy-honey sauce clings to strips of chicken and veggies, coating the zucchini so every bite tastes balanced. Fresh garlic and grated ginger bring aromatic depth, while sesame seeds and green onions give a finishing crunch and color. Overall the dish keeps a lively mix of sweet, salty, and spicy elements without any heavy sauces.

Ingredients

– 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
– 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup carrots, julienned
– 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
– 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and lightly golden.
4. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
5. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan.
6. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Add the sliced red bell pepper and julienned carrots.
8. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften.
9. Whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
10. Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
11. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to combine.
12. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly.
13. In another pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
14. Add the spiralized zucchini noodles and sauté for about 2 minutes until tender but still slightly firm.
15. Combine the zucchini noodles with the chicken and vegetable stir-fry, tossing until everything is well coated in the sauce.
16. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Use pre-spiralized zucchini or buy it from the produce aisle to cut prep time. Slice the chicken thin and uniform so it cooks in one quick batch. Make the sauce while veggies cook to keep the flow moving. If you prefer more char, finish the chicken on high heat for the last minute. For easy serving ideas and a hearty side check out these side dish ideas that pair well.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep zucchini noodles separate if you prefer to reheat without losing texture, then toss together before serving. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid making the zucchini too soft. This recipe scales well for doubling if you want multiple meals for the week.

Short Closing Note

This stir fry is built for speed with fresh flavors that feel anything but rushed. It’s a reliable weeknight winner you can tweak in minutes.

Conclusion

For a visual guide and extra tips, see the full Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry Recipe & Video.

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