Delicious Grilled Chicken Paired with Zucchini Noodles

Whenever one looks for something light, healthy, and delicious but easy to prepare, Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles is the ultimate choice. This recipe marries tender and juicy grilled chicken with fresh and crisp zucchini noodles, otherwise known as “zoodles,” for a meal that is very low in carbs yet full of flavor. Perfect for those who want a quick, weeknight dinner or even a healthy lunch that will fill one’s belly without heavy feelings.

INGREDIENTS

CHICKEN

• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for the grill
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste

ZUCCHINI NOODLES

• 1 Tbsp. salted butter 
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 lb. precut zucchini noodles
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 pt. grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

For the chicken:

1. Place the chicken breasts between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and flatten with the flat side of a meat mallet or heavy fork so that they are the same size.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, mustard, olive oil and garlic. Add the chicken, toss to coat and let sit at room temperature while you preheat the grill.
3. Heat either a grill or grill pan to medium, oil grates. Season the chicken with some salt and flour spicy.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat and lightly oil the grates. Well season the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Place the chicken on the grill, searing until it’s cooked and golden on all sides- about 6 minutes per side.
6. When the chicken is cooked, take it out on a cutting board and leave it for a while so that its juice remains inside and it becomes more delicious.

For zucchini noodles:

1. Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook for about 15 seconds, stirring until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add zucchini noodles and toss until well coated. Sprinkle with lemon juice, salt and pepper, and cook, tossing frequently, until zucchini just begins to soften, about 1 minute.
3. Add the tomatoes and Parmesan and cook until heated through, about 30 seconds.
4. Remove from heat, add basil and toss.
5. Serve with chicken and zucchini noodles and sprinkle with more Parmesan.

Tips and Variations

• Add more veggies: Make it somewhat fancier, healthy; think of other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach along with the zucchini noodles.
• Spice it up: If you love that little kick of heat, you could add a couple of drops of cayenne pepper into the chicken sauce or sprinkle a bit of red pepper flakes over the zucchini noodles.
• Protein swap-outs can include easy protein substitutions for chicken, shrimp, turkey, or tofu, which are super lean in this recipe.
• Creamy: A dollop of sauces like alfredo or pesto gives the dish a creamy flavor.

Grilled Chicken with Zucchini Noodles is a healthy and wholesome meal perfect for those who want to eat clean without sacrificing taste. Chicken is a good source of lean protein, while zucchini noodles are low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants seeing as this dish is also gluten-free and easily adapted to be low-carb, keto , or paleo .

FAQ’s