High-Protein Chicken & Zucchini with Lemon Garlic Sauce
Description
This High-Protein Chicken & Zucchini with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a light yet satisfying dish packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bright citrus flavour. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is paired with tender zucchini and coated in a simple, zesty garlic-lemon sauce. It’s perfect for healthy meal prep, low-carb diets, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Servings
Serves: 3–4 people
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Zucchini:
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
- 2 medium zucchinis (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Season Chicken
- Toss chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning
- Cook Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked
- Remove and set aside
- Cook Zucchini
- In the same pan, add zucchini
- Sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy
- Make Sauce
- Add olive oil/butter and garlic to the pan
- Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds)
- Add lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes
- Combine
- Return chicken to the pan
- Toss everything together until coated
- Serve
- Garnish with parsley and lemon slices
- Serve hot
Notes
- Don’t overcook zucchini—it should stay slightly crisp
- Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavour
- Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option
Tips
- Add cherry tomatoes or spinach for more nutrients 🍅
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavour
- Add chilli flakes for a spicy kick 🌶️
Nutritional Information (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 280–350 kcal
- Protein: 30–40g
- Carbohydrates: 6–10g
- Fat: 12–16g
- Fiber: 2–3g
Health Benefits
- Chicken: High-quality lean protein for muscle growth
- Zucchini: Low-calorie, rich in vitamins and hydration
- Garlic: Supports immunity and heart health
- Lemon: Aids digestion and boosts vitamin C
Q&A
Q1: Is this recipe good for weight loss?
Yes! It’s high in protein and low in carbs, making it great for fat loss.
Q2: Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely—it stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, just use olive oil instead of butter.
Q4: What sides go well with it?
Rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or salad.
Q5: Can I use other vegetables?
Yes—broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers work well.
