There’s something inherently joyful about twirling noodles, isn’t there? Especially when they’re zucchini noodles tangled up with tender chicken and bursting tomatoes—like a summer garden on your plate. In a world where food trends come and go faster than the latest TikTok dance (seriously, what was that about?), this Chicken Zucchini Noodle Caprese remains a timeless delight, whispering stories of sun-drenched afternoons and the magic of fresh basil.
Steps
- Spiralize the zucchini using the thickest noodle blade available on your spiralizer. If using the Inspiralizer, use Blade D for best results.
- Season the chicken cubes with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the seasoned chicken in the pan, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining olive oil and garlic to the pan, and cook until the garlic is golden, about 30 seconds.
- Add the halved grape tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan. Season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and black pepper.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the tomatoes simmer until they soften, around 15 minutes.
- Increase the heat to high, then add the spiralized zucchini and chopped basil to the pan. Season with another 1/4 teaspoon of salt and cook for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add the halved mozzarella balls, and mix everything together. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 3/4 pound grape tomatoes, halved
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- 1 large zucchini, spiralized
- 2 ounces fresh mini mozzarella balls, halved
Nutritional Values
Calories: 684 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 68 g | Fat: 34 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Cholesterol: 210 mg | Sodium: 1616 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 4 g
FAQ
- What is the best way to prepare zucchini noodles for this dish?
- The key to perfect zucchini noodles is to make them slightly thicker, as this gives them a better texture. It’s important to cook them for less than two minutes to avoid them becoming watery. Once cooked, remove them from the skillet promptly to stop further cooking.
- Which spiralizer is recommended for making zucchini noodles?
- The Inspiralizer is highly recommended due to its built-in blades, which make it easy to clean and strong enough to handle tougher vegetables like butternut squash.
- How can I ensure the chicken is cooked properly in this recipe?
- To properly cook the chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and oregano, then sauté it in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat for about six minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
- What should I do if I want to adjust the spiciness of the dish?
- You can adjust the spiciness by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used. Add more for a spicier dish or reduce it if you prefer a milder flavor.
- How can I store leftovers of the Chicken and Zucchini Noodle Caprese?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within a couple of days to enjoy the dish at its freshest.
Tips
- Use a thicker blade when spiralizing zucchini to ensure the noodles have a good texture and don’t become too soft. Avoid overcooking them; just two minutes in the skillet is enough before removing them quickly to prevent excess moisture.
- To enhance the flavors, season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and oregano before cooking. This step helps to infuse the meat with a well-rounded taste.
- After cooking the chicken, set it aside and prepare the tomatoes and garlic in the same pan. This allows the flavors from the chicken to blend with the tomatoes, creating a richer sauce.
- Add the fresh basil and zucchini at the end and cook them briefly to maintain their fresh taste and texture. This also ensures that the zucchini doesn’t become mushy and retains its shape.
Equipment
- Spiralizer (such as the Inspiralizer)
