Description
A vibrant, low-carb meal featuring tender, pan-seared chicken bites tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, served over a bed of fresh garden zucchini noodles. This nutrient-dense, one-skillet dish combines bold Mediterranean flavors with juicy protein, offering a restaurant-quality experience in under thirty minutes. It is the perfect choice for a flavorful, healthful dinner that is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Ingredients
3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon hot sauce of choice
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4–5 medium zucchini, spiralized into ribbons
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Optional crushed red pepper flakes
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with oil, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and add the minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the zucchini noodles and toss for 2–3 minutes until just tender.
Push the noodles to the side and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, chicken broth, and lemon juice to the center.
Stir the sauce to emulsify, then return the chicken to the pan and toss everything together.
Stir in fresh parsley and thyme, then garnish with lemon slices and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the zucchini is not overcooked to maintain a firm texture similar to al dente pasta. If the zucchini releases too much water, drain excess liquid from the pan before adding the butter sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Chicken Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: Healthy Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg