Ingredients for Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces: The star protein of our Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles. It’s lean and cooks quickly; cut uniformly for even cooking.
• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles: The base for your healthy, low-carb stir fry. Fresh zucchini noodles are key; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: The foundation of the savory stir-fry sauce. Low-sodium helps control overall saltiness; use Tamari for a gluten-free option.
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Adds a rich, nutty aroma and distinct Asian flavor. A little goes a long way; add at the end for maximum fragrance.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the sauce, ensuring it coats everything beautifully. Choose a good quality, unsalted broth for best results.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to a perfect, glossy consistency. Mix with a little cold water before adding to prevent lumps.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: The essential aromatic for that signature “Garlic Chicken” flavor. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic for the best taste.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, zesty kick and complements the garlic beautifully. Fresh ginger is always superior to powdered for stir-fries.
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sweet, savory depth and aromatic base to the stir fry. Sauté until translucent for optimal flavor release.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color, a touch of sweetness, and crisp-tender texture. A crucial vegetable for visual appeal and nutrients.
• 1 large carrot, julienned: Contributes natural sweetness and a lovely crunch to the dish. Julienne thinly so it cooks quickly with other vegetables.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the overall savory profile of the chicken and vegetables. Freshly ground black pepper offers the most potent flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle heat, elevating the stir-fry with a subtle spicy kick. Adjust to your preferred level of spice.
• 2 green onions, sliced: A fresh, mild oniony garnish that adds color and a final flavor flourish. Sprinkle just before serving for best impact.
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds: Offers a delightful nutty crunch and visual appeal as a finishing touch. Toast lightly in a dry pan for enhanced flavor.
• 2 lime wedges, for serving: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and adds a zesty finish. Essential for balancing the richness of the stir-fry.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

Prep Sauce & Chicken:

In a bowl, whisk low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, cornstarch, and black pepper. Cut chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. This forms the flavorful base for your Quick & Easy: Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry.

Marinate Chicken:

Toss chicken with 1 tablespoon of the prepared sauce. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients. This step ensures tender, flavorful chicken for your delicious meal.

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced yellow onion. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, avoiding burning the aromatics.

Cook Chicken & Veggies:

Add marinated chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add red bell pepper and julienned carrot, stir-frying until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Thicken Sauce:

Pour the remaining sauce mixture into the skillet with red pepper flakes (if using). Stir constantly, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything beautifully. It should be glossy and bubbling.

Add Zucchini Noodles:

Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss quickly for just 1-2 minutes until they are heated through and crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook them to prevent mushiness.

Garnish & Serve:

Remove the Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry from heat. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges for a bright, zesty finish.

How to Store Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

To store leftover Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long; I once did, and the texture was completely ruined. Discard immediately if you notice any off-smell or sliminess.

For make-ahead convenience, prep the chicken, sauce, and chop vegetables up to 2 days in advance, keeping them separate in refrigerated airtight containers. Cook just before serving to maintain crisp zucchini. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop or microwave, being careful not to overcook the noodles.

What to Serve with Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry

To serve your Quick & Easy: Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles Stir Fry, simply dish it out hot, fresh from the pan. For a beautiful presentation, garnish generously with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with a light cucumber salad for extra freshness. Enjoy this vibrant meal immediately for the best texture.

I personally love to serve this stir fry with an extra squeeze of fresh lime. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner, allowing everyone to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal without fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute different vegetables in this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to use bell peppers of any color, snap peas, broccoli florets, or mushrooms. Just ensure they are cut similarly for even cooking. I find adding different textures keeps it exciting!

→ How do I prevent mushy zucchini noodles in my Quick & Easy Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles?

The key is quick cooking! Add zucchini noodles last and toss for only 1-2 minutes until crisp-tender. Overcooking turns them to mush, trust me. Also, ensure your skillet is piping hot.

→ Can I make this Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe gluten-free?

Yes, easily! Simply substitute the low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it simple to adapt.

→ How long can I store leftover Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles stir fry?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The zucchini noodles might soften a bit, but it still tastes delicious. Reheat gently to avoid further softening.

→ Can I prepare parts of this stir fry ahead of time or freeze it?

You can definitely prep the chicken, sauce, and chop vegetables up to 2 days ahead. Store them separately. Freezing cooked zucchini noodles isn’t recommended; they become watery and mushy when thawed.