Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles: 5 Easy Steps

Why Make This Recipe

This Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles is a fantastic choice for a quick and healthy meal. You get all the great BBQ flavors you love without feeling heavy afterward. It’s super fast to make, perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, combining sweet, smoky, and tangy tastes that everyone enjoys. The zucchini noodles add a healthy vegetable boost, making it a balanced meal. You can also easily change it up based on what you have or what you like.

How to Make Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

Making Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles involves a few simple steps. First, you prepare and cook the chicken, then you cook the zucchini noodles. Finally, you combine them to create a delicious and healthy meal. It’s an easy process that even beginner cooks can master.

Ingredients of Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

For the Deliciously Lean BBQ Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (lean cuts)
• Low-sugar, naturally sweetened BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

For the Fresh & Flavorful Zoodles

• Medium-sized zucchini
• Olive oil
• Freshly minced garlic
• Cherry tomatoes (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Directions of Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

Preparing the BBQ Chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season the chicken all over with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Cook the chicken in a pan or on a grill until it is fully cooked through.
4. During the last few minutes of cooking, or right after it’s done, brush the chicken generously with the low-sugar BBQ sauce.
5. Once cooked, shred or slice the chicken into pieces you like.

Making the Perfect Zoodles

1. Use a spiralizer to turn the zucchini into noodles.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Briefly cook them for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp. Do not overcook them.
4. If using, stir in the cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking.

Bringing It All Together

1. Gently combine the cooked BBQ chicken and the zoodles in a large bowl or directly in the skillet.
2. If you want, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.

How to Serve Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

Serve your Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles immediately. You can place it over a bed of fresh arugula for an added peppery taste. Slices of creamy avocado also complement the smoky BBQ flavors nicely. For a full BBQ meal, pair it with some corn on the cob or a simple green salad with a light dressing.

How to Store Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

You can store leftovers of Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the chicken and zoodles separately if possible, especially if you plan to eat it later in the week, to keep the zoodles from getting too watery. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

• Do not overcook zoodles: Zucchini noodles cook very fast. Sauté them for only a few minutes until they are tender but still have a slight bite. Overcooking them will make them watery and mushy.
• Drain zucchini: If your zoodles tend to be watery, lightly salt them after spiralizing and let them sit in a colander for 10-15 minutes. This draws out excess moisture. Pat them dry before cooking.
• Meal prep friendly: Cook the BBQ chicken and zoodles in advance. Store them separately and combine just before eating for quick meals throughout the week.
• Adjust spice: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your chicken seasoning mix or a dash of sriracha to your BBQ sauce.

Variation

• Spicy Version: Add a dash of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to your BBQ sauce for a kick.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a tablespoon of light cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt to the cooked zoodles for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Include other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms when you sauté the garlic and zoodles.
• Different Protein: This recipe also works well with cooked shrimp or turkey breast instead of chicken.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this meal ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the BBQ chicken and the zoodles in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, combine and reheat gently. This helps prevent the zoodles from getting soggy.

Q: What kind of BBQ sauce should I use for this recipe?

A: Look for BBQ sauces that are low in sugar or naturally sweetened. Many brands now offer healthier options in stores. You can also make your own BBQ sauce using ingredients like tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and a small amount of honey or maple syrup to control the sweetness.

Q: My zoodles often turn out watery. How can I fix this?

A: The main trick is to not overcook them. Sauté your zoodles quickly over medium-high heat for just 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Another tip is to lightly salt the spiralized zucchini and let it sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps draw out extra water. Make sure to pat them very dry before you cook them.

Speedy Spicy Skinny BBQ Chicken with Zoodles

This recipe features lean BBQ chicken paired with fresh zucchini noodles for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal with a spicy kick. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 2 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Paper towels
• Pan or Grill
• Spiralizer
• Large Skillet
• Large Bowl (optional)

Ingredients

  

For the Deliciously Lean BBQ Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 0.5 cup low-sugar BBQ sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper for spice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

For the Fresh & Flavorful Zoodles

• 2 medium-sized zucchini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 freshly minced garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil chopped (optional)

Instructions

 

Prepare the BBQ Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry, then season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
• Cook the chicken in a pan or on a grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, until fully cooked or an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Brush generously with low-sugar BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Remove from heat, let rest, then shred or slice into pieces.

Make the Perfect Zoodles

• Use a spiralizer to create noodles from the zucchini.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing frequently, until tender-crisp.
• If desired, stir in halved cherry tomatoes during the last minute of cooking.

Bring It All Together

• Gently combine the cooked BBQ chicken and zoodles in a large bowl or skillet.
• Optionally, sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked through for safety. Do not overcook zoodles to keep them tender-crisp. Adjust cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.