Are you looking for a healthy and delicious meal that is quick and easy to prepare? Look no further than zucchini noodle stir-fry with chicken! This dish is packed with flavor, and nutrients, and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to eat well without sacrificing taste.
Zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” are a fantastic alternative to traditional wheat-based pasta. They are low in carbohydrates, high in fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals. When paired with tender chicken breast and a colorful array of vegetables, zucchini noodles make for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
The beauty of stir-fry is that it can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp, or add in more vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms. The possibilities are endless, and you can create a dish that is as unique as your taste buds.
In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps of making zucchini noodle stir-fry with chicken. We’ll share tips on how to prepare the zucchini noodles, how to cook the chicken to perfection, and how to create a mouthwatering stir-fry sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
8 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Zucchini
Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash that is widely popular across the world. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in many essential nutrients, making it a great addition to any healthy diet. In this article, we will explore eight health and nutrition benefits of zucchini.
1. Rich in Many Nutrients
Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals. One medium-sized zucchini contains about 30% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, 10% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin B6, and 8% of the daily recommended intake of magnesium. It is also a good source of potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
2. High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect our cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Zucchini is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and beta-carotene, which have been shown to help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
3. Contributes to Healthy Digestion
Zucchini is high in water and fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion. Eating foods high in fiber can help regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.
4. May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Zucchini is low in carbs and high in fiber, which makes it a great food choice for people with diabetes. Fiber slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
5. May Improve Heart Health
Zucchini is a good source of potassium, which is an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, and eating potassium-rich foods like zucchini can help lower the risk of developing this condition.
6. May Strengthen Your Vision
Zucchini is rich in carotenoids, which are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. These compounds have been shown to help protect against age-related macular degeneration, a condition that can cause vision loss in older adults.
7. May Aid Weight Loss
Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help promote weight loss. Foods high in fiber help you feel full for longer, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
8. Easy to Add to Your Diet
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways. It can be spiralized into noodles, chopped, and added to salads, grilled, roasted, or baked. It is also a great ingredient in soups and stews.
The bottom line
Zucchini is a nutritious vegetable that can provide many health benefits. It is low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins and minerals. Adding zucchini to your diet is easy and can help promote healthy digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. So next time you’re at the grocery store, be sure to pick up some zucchini and give your health a boost!
How to Make Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken
Zucchini Noodle Stir Fry with Chicken is a healthy, low carb, gluten free dinner that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Take spiralized zucchini noodles, onions, and peppers and toss them with a delicious stir fry sauce and toasted sesame seeds. {low carb, gluten free}
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 351kcal
Ingredients of Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken
- 2 tablespoon hoisin sauce gluten-free if necessary
- ¼ cup tamari
- 3 tablespoons garlic chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 4 chicken thighs trimmed of fat and cut into cubes
- 1 pepper sliced
- 1 cup sugar snap peas
- 3 scallions chopped
- 2 zucchini spiralized
- sesame oil for pan
- toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions to Make a Perfect Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with Chicken
- Whisk first four stir-fry sauce ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
- Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes or until done or still slightly pink, stirring often. Add a few tablespoons of stir fry sauce and give it a quick stir.
- Remove chicken to a bowl and set aside.
- Heat another tablespoon sesame oil in the pan and add sugar snap peas. Cook for a minute then add peppers, scallions and zucchini noodles. Add another few tablespoons of the stir fry sauce and stir, cooking for about 5-7 minutes.
- Add chicken back to pan and add remaining stir fry sauce. Cook for another minute.
- Serve with toasted sesame seeds and green onion for garnish.
Nutrition
Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1037mg | Potassium: 642mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 640IU | Vitamin C: 35.8mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 2.6mg