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    Home » Recipes » 30 Minutes or Less

    Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken

    Published: Sep 2, 2020 / Modified: Sep 14, 2020 by Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN / This post may contain affiliate links / 13 Comments

    • 31
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    images of zucchini noodles in a skillet with sauce separated by a text box
    images of zucchini noodles in a skillet with sauce separated by a text box
    peanut zucchini noodles with chicken in a black skillet topped with scallions

    These Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken make a delicious and healthy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes and uses only one pan! It’s a great option for a busy weeknight, and the leftovers keep well for lunch the next day.

    peanut zucchini noodles with chicken in a black skillet topped with scallions

    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see my affiliate disclosure.

    One of my favorite ways to use summer squash is to run those bad boys through the spiralizer to get a heaping pile of “zoodles.” The resulting product is a low-carb option that’s a healthy substitution for noodle-based recipes. Plus, their flavor is so mild that you can dress up your zoodles with any sauce or dressing that you’d like!

    Of course, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying actual noodles with peanut sauce, like my Peanut Soba Noodles with Roasted Broccoli. But I highly recommend these Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken if you want to switch it up and get some more veggies in your life.

    That’s sort of the point of this blog, after all. 

    Not only is this recipe loaded with veggies, but it’s also a super quick and easy dish for those busy back-to-school nights. You can even cook the chicken and make the peanut sauce in advance to cut back on prep time. Ready to try it yet?

    zucchini noodles on a bamboo cutting board next to a lime, peanut butter, and other seasonings

    How to Make Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken

    1. Dice up the chicken, and cook it in a large skillet for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
    2. Add the peanut sauce to the skillet, and stir until the chicken is coated.
    3. Stir in the zucchini noodles.
    4. Cook for several more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles cook down and the ingredients are all coated in the peanut sauce. Top with scallions and chopped peanuts.
    diced chicken cooking in a skillet
    diced chicken cooking in a skillet covered in peanut sauce
    zucchini noodles on top of chicken in a skillet with a rubber spatula
    peanut zucchini noodles with chicken in a large black skillet

    Expert Tips

    This is a pretty foolproof recipe, but to make the best possible Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken, follow these tips.

    • If you don’t have a spiralizer (that’s the link to the one I recommend, FYI), you can find pre-made zucchini noodles at most large grocery stores. They are typically found in the produce section.
    • Be sure to cut the zucchini noodles into shorter pieces that are easier to eat before adding them to the skillet. Kitchen scissors or a sharp knife will do the trick!
    • Add the zucchini noodles towards the end of cooking. This ensures that they don’t get too soft or soggy. You want them to still be slightly crunchy by the time you’re finished cooking the recipe. (Note: In a previous version of this recipe, I cooked the zucchini noodles at the beginning then added them back to the skillet at a later time. This is unnecessary.)
    • To save prep time, make the peanut sauce in advance and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir well before using. You can also cook the chicken in advance.
    • To make this completely gluten free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
    • These Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken make great leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can enjoy this dish hot or cold! Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on high.

    close up of peanut zoodles with chicken and scallions in a large skillet

    More Easy Weeknight Meals

    If you love the simplicity of this flavorful dish, you may also enjoy these other main dish recipes for busy nights. Check out the One Pan Lemon Artichoke Chicken, Healthy Chicken Fajita Bowls, and the Healthy Chicken and Leek Pasta Bake. For another zucchini recipe, see the Baked Italian Zucchini Balls.

    If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how you like it! Please rate/review using the stars on the recipe card or in the comments section. For more of my recipes, subscribe to the weekly newsletter while you’re here.

    peanut zucchini noodles with chicken in a black skillet topped with scallions

    Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles with Chicken

    This easy dinner recipe features zoodles, chicken, and a delicious peanut sauce. It's perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 20 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 486kcal
    Author: Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

    Equipment

    • Spiralizer

    Ingredients

    For the sauce:

    • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
    • 2 tablespoon lime juice - about ½ lime, juiced
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger - minced
    • 2 teaspoon Sriracha
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce - sub tamari for gluten free
    • 2 tablespoon warm water

    All other ingredients:

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts - diced
    • 3 zucchini - peeled and spiralized
    • 2 scallions - sliced, for serving
    • ½ cup peanuts - chopped, for serving
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    Instructions

    • Combine the ingredients for the creamy peanut sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding water as needed. Start with 2 tablespoon warm water and slowly increase the amount if needed. Dice the chicken, and prepare the zucchini noodles with the spiralizer. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scissors, cut the noodles into shorter pieces that are easier to eat.
    • Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
    • Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet, and stir until the chicken is coated in the sauce. Then, stir in the zucchini noodles. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until they cook down and are coated in the sauce. The skillet will be exceptionally full at first but the noodles really shrink as they cook.
    • Remove the skillet from heat, and serve the dish with sliced scallions and chopped peanuts.

    Notes

    • If you do not have a spiralizer, you can purchase pre-made zucchini noodles at most large grocery stores in the produce section or even in the frozen goods aisle.
    • Leftovers will last for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can eat them cold or reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes on high.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 486kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 404mg | Potassium: 1165mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 388IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @its_a_vegworld_afterall and follow me today!

    Have a happy and healthy week! – Lizzie

    This recipe for Creamy Peanut Zucchini Noodles was originally published in July 2017. It was updated with new photos and tips in September 2020.

    More 30 Minute Recipes

    • Sautéed Rapini (Broccoli Rabe)
    • Healthy Celery Snack with Herbed Mascarpone
    • Red Lentil Salad with Herbs and Feta
    • Beet Pancakes (Baby and Toddlers)
    • 31

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    1. Gail Zalokar Bauman

      September 05, 2018 at 6:12 pm

      Hi Lizzie,
      I purchased a spiralizer, which I love, and have attempted zoodles twice. I have to be doing something wrong. The first time they were too wet and the next time I probably overcooked them to take care of the water and they were limp. Do you strain after cooking? Would it make a difference cooking in oil or butter?
      Help! I need some tips.
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Lizzie

        September 06, 2018 at 9:17 am

        5 stars
        Hi Gail!

        Thanks for reaching out! I’ve tried a few different things to keep the zoodles from getting too soggy/watery. For one, you can drain them using a colander (as you said) and pat them dry after cooking and before you add any type of sauce. This usually helps a lot. I have also seen chefs/cooks place them in a colander, sprinkle them with a pinch of salt after spiralizing them, let them sit for 20 minutes, rinse them, and then begin the cooking process. Finally, shortening the cooking time can keep them from getting too soggy (3 to 4 minutes instead of 5 to 7). I hope these methods help some! Let me know if you have any other questions!!

        So glad you are liking the blog 🙂 – Lizzie

        Reply
        • Gail

          September 08, 2018 at 6:24 pm

          Thanks Lizzie, I’ll give your suggestions a try and keep you posted.
          Gail

        • Lizzie

          September 10, 2018 at 5:01 pm

          Great!! Yes, let me know. I hope they help 🙂

    2. Karen Miraglia

      July 25, 2017 at 8:47 am

      This sounds great! Can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
    3. catnrat

      July 17, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      This looks so delicious and healthy, I know what I’m making for dinner tonight! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Lizzie Streit, MS

        July 17, 2017 at 2:50 pm

        Thanks for visiting!! I hope it turns out yummy for you 🙂

        Reply
        • catnrat

          July 17, 2017 at 6:59 pm

          I seemed to have misplaced my zoodler…this is saved for the future though when I can remember where I put things! Have a great night!

    4. Grandma Marlene

      July 13, 2017 at 4:31 pm

      Hi Lizzie!

      Yum…This recipe has me salivating and it’s only 4:30. I think I need a spiralizer. What do they look like? This recipe has many of my favorite flavors and is a GREAT way to use all that zucchini that has an amazingly prolific way of growing . It’s one of those vegetables that turn up anonymously on ones doorstep as summer progresses and gardens flourish! The peanut and green onions plus lime sounds perfect.

      I need someone to show me how to print off just the recipe….Maybe my IT guy when he comes tomorrow.

      Hugs! Marlene

      PS Lucky Will with such a good cook!

      Reply
      • Aunt Rose

        October 08, 2017 at 12:20 pm

        Lizzie, I am so psyched to have stumbled upon this today! I just spiralized some zucchini and summer squash yesterday and was wondering what to do with them. Now I know! Yaay! And yes Will IS lucky you are such a good cook!

        Reply
        • Lizzie

          October 09, 2017 at 10:42 am

          Hi Aunt Rose! So glad you are able to use this recipe for your summer squash! Yummmm. Cold weather is coming up fast here, so it looks like we won’t have as much summer produce soon :-)!! hahah!

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    Welcome! I'm Lizzie, a Registered Dietitian and cookbook author who loves vegetables. And I'm here to help you love them too! My easy, veggie-forward recipes will help you get comfortable in the kitchen and celebrate the seasons.

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