Garlic Herb Chicken with Zucchini Noodles
This delicious, low-carb, and high-protein meal is perfect for anyone following a Weight Watchers program. It is packed with fresh flavors, incredibly satisfying, and very easy to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 15 mins | Servings: 2
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): 2 large zucchinis, spiraled
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon rosemary
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (divided)
- Lemon: Juice of ½ fresh lemon
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Garnish: Fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Toss the Zoodles: Add the spiraled zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss them gently with the garlic and oil for just 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to be warm and slightly tender, but still crisp. Do not overcook them, or they will become watery.
- Assemble and Serve: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the zucchini noodles. Divide the zoodles between two plates, top with the sliced garlic herb chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many Weight Watchers points is this recipe?
A: Because skinless chicken breast and zucchini are generally zero-point foods on most Weight Watchers plans, you are primarily only counting the olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese. This makes it an incredibly low-point, filling meal!
Q: Can I use store-bought zucchini noodles?
A: Absolutely! If you do not own a spiralizer, you can easily find pre-packaged zucchini noodles in the produce section of most grocery stores to save prep time.
Q: How do I prevent the zucchini noodles from getting soggy?
A: The secret is to cook them very briefly (no more than 2–3 minutes) on medium heat. Zucchini contains a lot of water, so cooking it for too long will make it mushy. You can also pat the raw zoodles dry with a paper towel before cooking.
Q: Can I prep this meal in advance?
A: Yes, you can grill or pan-sear the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. However, it is highly recommended to spiralize and sauté the zucchini noodles fresh right before serving for the best texture.