Introduction
This delicious chicken and zucchini noodle recipe is a perfect option for a quick and healthy meal. With rich flavors from soy sauce, ginger, and honey, this dish beautifully marries tender chicken with vibrant spiralized zucchini. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also provides a satisfying and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta. Let’s dive into the detailed ingredients and instructions to make this delightful dish.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon cornstarch
⅓ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
¼ cup packed brown sugar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons honey
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 tablespoon olive oil
1½ pounds (4 medium-sized) zucchini, spiralized
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Prep Time
30 minutes for marinating the chicken (can marinate overnight for better flavor)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes (including prep)
Yield: Serves 4
Enjoy preparing and savoring this fantastic chicken and zucchini noodle dish! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend meal with family. The combination of flavors and the simplicity of the recipe will keep you coming back for more.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Cornstarch Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup water; set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, honey, and 1 cup of water; bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes. Let it cool to room temperature. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce and set aside.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
In a gallon-size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce mixture with the chicken pieces; marinate for at least 30 minutes to overnight, turning the bag occasionally. After marinating, drain the chicken from the marinade.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Zucchini Noodles
Stir in the spiralized zucchini and the reserved ¼ cup soy sauce mixture until well combined, cooking for about 2 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
Marinating Time
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for a longer period, up to overnight.
Spiralizing Zucchini
If you do not have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons.
Sesame Seeds
Optional sesame seeds can add a nice crunch and flavor as a garnish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook Techniques
Whisking
Whisking is a technique used to combine ingredients smoothly, often to ensure that dry ingredients like cornstarch blend well with liquids. This method helps prevent lumps and achieves a uniform consistency in sauces.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking a liquid just below boiling, allowing flavors to meld together while keeping ingredients tender. This technique is essential when making sauces, as it develops depth without boiling away the flavors.
Marinating
Marinating is the process of soaking food in a seasoned liquid to enhance its flavor and tenderness. In this recipe, chicken is marinated in a soy sauce mixture, infusing it with a rich taste.
Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick cooking method that uses a small amount of oil over medium to high heat. This technique is perfect for browning chicken, giving it a delicious crust while keeping it juicy inside.
Combining
Combining involves mixing ingredients together to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures. This is particularly important when adding cooked proteins to vegetables and sauces for balanced bites.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the final touch in presentation, often adding visual appeal and texture to a dish. In this case, sesame seeds not only enhance the appearance but also add a nutty flavor to the meal.
FAQ
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of reduced sodium soy sauce?
Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce, but be aware that it will increase the saltiness of the dish.
Can I use another protein in place of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or any other protein of your choice.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but for best results, marinate it overnight for maximum flavor.
What if I don’t have a spiralizer for the zucchini?
If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler or a box grater to create thin strips or rounds of zucchini instead.
Can this dish be made in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Conclusion
This quick and flavorful dish combines tender chicken and vibrant zucchini noodles, making for a healthy, satisfying meal. The savory sauce, with hints of garlic and ginger, elevates the dish while the sesame seeds add a delightful finishing touch. Enjoy the balance of flavors and the ease of preparation, perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining guests.
Chicken Stir-Fry with Broccoli
Substitute zucchini noodles with broccoli florets for a hearty stir-fry. Use the same marinade for the chicken and enjoy a classic Asian-inspired dish.
Honey Ginger Garlic Shrimp
Replace the chicken with shrimp to create a seafood version. The same marinade will complement the shrimp beautifully, offering a lighter alternative.
Vegetable Medley with Tofu
For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu instead of chicken. Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for a colorful and nutritious stir-fry.
Spicy Chicken with Sriracha
Incorporate Sriracha into the marinade for a spicy kick. This combination pairs well with the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey.
Beef Teriyaki with Bell Peppers
Swap chicken for thinly sliced beef and add bell peppers for a delicious beef teriyaki dish. The soy sauce and brown sugar will create a rich flavor profile.
Egg Noodles with Garlic Sauce
Use egg noodles instead of zucchini for a classic noodle dish. Toss them in the garlic sauce to create a comforting, flavorful meal.
