Lemon Dill Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
This dish pairs tender sauteed chicken breast in a lemony dill garlic sauce with zucchini noodles that soak up every drop of flavor. It’s healthy, gluten-free, and Mediterranean-inspired with bright citrus and herbal notes.
Time
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes
Serves: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size cubes or thin strips
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 large lemon
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 2 tsp dried dill)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
For the Zucchini Noodles:
3 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
1 tsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan or crumbled feta, for garnish
Instructions
Spiralize the Zucchini:
Use a spiralizer to make zoodles. Set aside on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and saute for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Add garlic and saute 1 more minute until fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and dill.
Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly reduces.
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
Cook the Zoodles:
In a separate large skillet or the same pan (push chicken to the side), heat 1 tsp olive oil over medium.
Add zoodles and a pinch of salt. Saute for 2–3 minutes until just tender (not soggy).
Combine & Serve:
Toss the zoodles with the lemon dill chicken in the pan.
Plate and garnish with extra dill, Parmesan, or feta if desired.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Tips
Don’t overcook the zoodles or they’ll get watery. Slightly underdone = perfect texture.
Add halved cherry tomatoes or spinach for color and nutrients.
Want more flavor? Add a splash of white wine or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What protein swaps work here?
Shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu work well with lemon and dill.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes. Store cooked chicken and raw zoodles separately; combine and heat together just before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~320
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 7g
Fat: 16g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g