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.
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.