Prepare to revolutionize your dinner routine with a mouthwatering dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly healthy! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled on a bed of fresh zucchini noodles, kissed with bright lemon and topped with savory Parmesan cheese. This recipe is not just a meal – it's a culinary adventure that will make you forget all about traditional pasta while satisfying your taste buds and your nutritional goals. Whether you're a health-conscious foodie or just someone looking for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner, these Lemon Parmesan Chicken Zucchini Noodles are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
- While the chicken is cooking, spiralize the zucchinis using a spiralizer or vegetable noodle maker to create thin, noodle-like strands.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 3-4 minutes to retain its juices.
- In the same skillet, add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are just slightly softened but still retain some crispness.
- Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the zucchini noodles and toss gently to combine.
- Slice the rested chicken breasts diagonally into thin strips.
- Plate the zucchini noodles and arrange the sliced chicken on top.
- Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Use a high-quality spiralizer for the most uniform and attractive zucchini noodles.
- Don't overcook the zucchini noodles – they should remain slightly crisp and not turn mushy.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices and prevent dryness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a final garnish.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying.
- Choose fresh, firm zucchinis for the best spiralized noodle texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the perfect 165°F internal temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
