Sesame Chicken Zucchini Noodles

$- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into thin strips Chicken is the main protein in this dish. It adds flavor and keeps you full. I like to use fresh chicken breast for the best taste. Cutting it into thin strips helps it cook quickly and evenly. - 2 medium zucchinis, spiraled into noodle shapes Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a great low-carb option. They add texture and nutrients. Spiralizing zucchini is fun and easy. You can use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler. Aim for thin noodles that mimic pasta. - 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) - 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup for sweetness - 2 cloves garlic, minced finely - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper, to taste These ingredients create a rich and tasty sauce. Sesame oil gives a nutty flavor. Soy sauce adds umami. Honey or agave adds a touch of sweetness. Garlic and ginger make the dish aromatic. Red pepper flakes can add a little kick if you like heat. - 1/4 cup green onions, sliced for garnish - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted for added crunch Garnishes add flavor and make the dish look nice. Green onions bring freshness and crunch. Toasted sesame seeds give a nutty taste and a bit of texture. They also make the meal look appealing on the plate. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by marinating the chicken. Combine the sliced chicken breast in a bowl. Add soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This step boosts the flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated chicken strips. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Cook until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink. Then, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. Wait a moment for the oil to heat. Now, add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to gently toss the noodles. They should be tender but still have a nice crunch. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes now. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add it to the sautéed zucchini noodles. Gently toss everything together. Heat the mixture for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is well combined, transfer the sesame chicken zucchini noodles to a serving dish. For a stunning look, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top. This adds color and crunch. Enjoy your meal! To make sure your chicken is juicy and tender, start by slicing it thin. Thin strips cook faster and stay moist. Marinate your chicken in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. The marinade gives flavor and helps keep the chicken soft. When cooking, use medium-high heat. This will give your chicken a nice golden color. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, stirring often. Make sure it reaches 165°F to be safe. Spiralizing zucchini is fun and easy! You can use a spiralizer, a julienne peeler, or a box grater. A spiralizer is best for long noodles. Cut the ends off the zucchinis before you start. Hold the zucchini firmly and twist it to create long strands. Aim for thin noodles that cook quickly. If you don’t have a spiralizer, using a peeler works too. Just make flat ribbons instead. When cooking, don’t forget to keep an eye on them. They should be tender but still have a little crunch. You can change the flavors in this dish to fit your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or agave syrup. For a spicy kick, toss in more red pepper flakes. If you want a saltier taste, add a bit more soy sauce. Always taste before serving. This helps you catch any flavor changes you want. You can also mix in other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color. Experiment and find what you love! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Better Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, to let the flavors penetrate deeply. Use a Spiralizer Efficiently: When spiralizing zucchinis, ensure they are firm and not overly ripe for the best noodle texture. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding freshly chopped cilantro or basil as a garnish before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Try shrimp or tofu for variety. Both cook quickly and add great flavor. If you like beef, use thinly sliced flank steak. Just remember to adjust cooking times. For a vegan version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. Use agave syrup instead of honey. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots. This keeps the dish colorful and nutritious. Feel free to play with the sauce. Try adding peanut butter for a creamy twist. A splash of rice vinegar can brighten the flavor. For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili paste. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness to suit your taste. You can store your sesame chicken zucchini noodles in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents sogginess. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat them in a pan or microwave when you are ready to eat. Freezing this dish is a great option if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the noodles and chicken for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of sesame oil to revive the dish. When stored properly, sesame chicken zucchini noodles can last a good while. In the fridge, they last 3 to 4 days. If frozen, they are best used within 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or changes in texture. Trust your senses; they will guide you! Yes, you can! Try using carrots, bell peppers, or cucumber. Each adds a different taste and texture. You can spiralize these veggies too. Just ensure they cook for the right time. Carrots may take a bit longer, while cucumbers need less time. This flexibility keeps meals fun and fresh! To make this dish gluten-free, swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Tamari is a gluten-free version that works great. Always check labels for hidden gluten. Most other ingredients, like chicken and veggies, are naturally gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious meal! Serve this dish with a light salad or steamed broccoli. Both pair well with the flavors of sesame chicken. You can also add brown rice or quinoa for extra carbs. These sides balance the meal and enhance its nutrition. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! This post covered key ingredients like chicken and zucchini to create a tasty meal. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, cooking, and serving. You learned tips for perfect chicken and how to spiralize zucchini. We explored variations with different proteins and sauces for more options. In conclusion, this recipe allows you to get creative in the kitchen. Enjoy the blend of flavors, and don’t be afraid to explore your own unique twists!$

Sesame Chicken Zucchini Noodles

A delicious and healthy dish featuring marinated chicken served over spiralized zucchini noodles, enhanced with sesame oil and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
2 medium zucchinis, spiraled into noodle shapes
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup for sweetness
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
0.25 cup green onions, sliced for garnish
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted for added crunch
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix together the thinly sliced chicken breast with soy sauce, honey (or agave syrup), minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated chicken strips. Sauté the chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes until it is fully cooked and has a golden-brown color. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil. After a moment, introduce the spiralized zucchini noodles into the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, gently tossing them with tongs until they become slightly tender yet still retain a bit of crunch. If you enjoy heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes while cooking.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed zucchini noodles. Gently toss all ingredients together and allow them to heat through for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Once everything is thoroughly mixed and heated, transfer the sesame chicken zucchini noodles to a serving dish. For an attractive finish, sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds generously on top as garnish.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Keyword chicken, healthy, quick meal, sesame, zucchini noodles